Given the recent news that Carmelo Anthony and the Oklahoma City Thunder are planning to part ways this summer, attention has shifted to his next destination. Could Melo be headed to the Houston Rockets? It's far from a sure thing, but it looks like the Rockets are making a push to land the veteran sharpshooter.
As ESPN's Dave McMenamin noted, some of Houston's key figures—Mike D'Antoni (head coach), Chris Paul (point guard), Tilman Fertitta (owner), and John Lucas II (player development coach)—kicked it with Anthony's business manager at NBA Summer League Sunday.
Melo recently opted in to his contract with Oklahoma City to garner $27.9 million next season. Shortly after, however, ESPN reported the two parties had decided they would go their separate ways. That decision will save OKC a bundle of cash—possibly over $100 million.
Just how they'll diverge is yet to be determined: either through a trade, utilizing the league's stretch provision, or a combined buyout and stretch.
Melo is close buddies with CP3, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James, so fans quickly keyed in on the Rockets, Heat, and Lakers as potential destinations. Houston and L.A. seem to be the likeliest potential suitors.
In his lone Thunder season, Melo averaged 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
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