Why Carmelo Anthony hasn’t signed with the Houston Rockets yet

Carmelo Anthony has yet to sign with the Houston Rockets even though he was officially released from the Hawks nearly a week ago.

Carmelo Anthony has been heavily linked to the Rockets since the 2017 offseason. After a forgettable season in Oklahoma City, all rumors have pointed towards Anthony joining Houston this summer. A couple of weeks ago, Marc Stein of the New York Times reported that Anthony planned on signing a veteran’s minimum deal with Houston upon clearing waivers.

Atlanta officially waived Anthony nearly a week ago, clearing the path for him to sign with Houston. Yet, we haven’t even heard any reports about the two sides closing in on a deal. What’s the hold up? Well, Anthony has been busy with other activities over the last few weeks.

According to Marc Stein, Anthony has been traveling with the National Basketball Players Association on the NBA Africa trip since July 23. Anthony sat court side at the 2018 NBA Africa Game in South Africa. The Carmelo Anthony Foundation also unveiled the new Jabavu basketball courts in Soweto.

There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return #Court23 #STAYME7O

A post shared by Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) on Aug 2, 2018 at 3:34pm PDT

Anthony still plans to join the Rockets, but he’s just been too busy in Africa with the events and his foundation in recent weeks. Once he makes it back to the States, he’ll likely sign a veteran’s minimum deal with Houston. At the moment, neither Anthony or the Rockets franchise seem to be in a hurry to get a deal done.

Once he signs with Houston, Anthony will join a talented Rockets team that features an MVP in James Harden and a perennial All-Star in Chris Paul. Houston also re-signed Clint Capela this summer, who is poised to have an even bigger year next season. The Rockets will be serious contenders in the west once again.