Rumor: Carmelo Anthony to sign $2.4 million deal with Houston Rockets

Carmelo Anthony plans to sign with the Houston Rockets on a veteran’s minimum deal after he clears waivers.

Carmelo Anthony could finally be on his way to the Houston Rockets.

On Friday, the Thunder agreed to send Carmelo Anthony to the Hawks as part of a three-team deal with the 76ers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal allowed OKC to save more than $60 million in luxury tax while adding a proven backup point guard in Dennis Schroder.

On Monday, Marc Stein of the New York Times reported that Carmelo Anthony plans to “sign with the Houston Rockets upon clearing waivers in coming days.” Anthony will likely sign a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum.

The three-team deal hasn’t been officially completed yet because the Sixers are in the midst of making another roster move. It could take at least a week before all deals are completed and Anthony becomes a free agent, according to the report.

Since the Carmelo to Rockets rumors started a few weeks ago, both of Houston’s stars seem to be in favor of Anthony joining the team. Earlier in July, reports surfaced that Chris Paul was “advocating” for the Rockets to acquire Anthony.  James Harden said that Carmelo Anthony “would be a great acquisition for us,” according to Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle.

Even Mike D’Antoni reportedly said he ‘would be fine’ if the Rockets signed Anthony, according to Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post. Just last year, D’Antoni admitted to Tim Keown of ESPN The Magazine that he quit his coaching job with the Knicks due to a strained relationship with Anthony. Fortunately, time heals all wounds.

Next: Rockets should sign Carmelo Anthony under these conditions

After the Rockets missed out on trading for Anthony last year, they’ll sign him this summer at a significant discount. The Thunder still owe Anthony $27 million next season, but Houston will likely pay him just $2.4 million. For a player that can still score in droves, that’s a bargain.