NBA rumors: Sixers favored to sign Rockets' Carmelo Anthony?

NBA rumors: Sixers favored to sign Rockets' Carmelo Anthony?

By Mike Rosenstein

Carmelo Anthony's days in Houston appear to be numbered.

Per ESPN:

Several players and members of the Rockets' coaching staff believe that Carmelo Anthony has played his final game for the franchise, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The organization has trod delicately on finalizing an exit for Anthony out of respect for his relationships within the team and his stature as a 10-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer.

Anthony, 34, has been away from the team for two games with what has been described as an "illness," and he didn't join the Rockets on their trip to Denver, sources said.

If Houston cuts ties with Anthony, the 10-time All-Star should be in demand and could find himself landing with another title contender.

Per BetDSI, the Sixers are the favorites to sign Anthony:

Carmelo Anthony next team after Houston Rockets (2018-19 season only)

Philadelphia 76ers +125
Los Angeles Lakers +350
Brooklyn Nets +400
Field (Any other team) -150

Anthony has worn out his welcome in Houston after 10 games. He played last season for Oklahoma City, which traded him to Atlanta in July, after which the Hawks waived Anthony, making him a free agent.

The Rockets saw Anthony as a perhaps the missing piece to their title quest, led by NBA MVP James Harden and point guard Chris Paul.

Instead, Anthony could join the new big three in Philadelphia: Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler.



Eagles players welcomed newly acquired 76ers forward Jimmy Butler to Philadelphia following the blockbuster with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Butler deal between the Sixers and Timberwolves became official Monday. Here are the details, per Sixers PR:

PHILADELPHIA - NOV. 12, 2018 - Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has acquired four-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Philadelphia also received Justin Patton in the deal, while Minnesota received Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington, Dario Saric and a 2022 second-round draft pick in exchange for Butler and Patton.

"We have a championship window that's centered around the continued progression of our talented young core, as well as our ability to add elite players who elevate our program," Brand said. "In Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, we have two of the NBA's top 20 players. Now, we've added a third top-20 player in Jimmy Butler, who is one of the NBA's very best on both ends of the floor. This move further strengthens our pursuit of a championship and gives us a formidable combination to take on the league's top teams.

"With this trade, we're also excited to welcome Justin to the organization and look forward to his contributions in the coming months. I want to thank Cov, Dario and Jerryd for all they did for this team. They are friends, former teammates and well respected in our locker room. We'll miss them, but I'm confident they'll continue to excel in their careers."

Butler, who has been selected an NBA All-Star in each of the past four seasons, has appeared in 10 games (all starts) this season with Minnesota, averaging 21.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals (third in the NBA) in 36.1 minutes per game. Last season, he was one of six players league-wide to post averages of at least 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists, joining DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. A veteran of seven NBA seasons, Butler was originally selected by Chicago with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft following a three-year collegiate career at Marquette.

112288

If Philly signs him, we can forget any trip anywhere except to the golf course in May!

Philly is for real now, lead by a very physical and talented center which the Celtics do not have.  With outside shooting like that, how could you double team Embiit!

112288

Alright, Danny...you're up next! I'm going to guess crickets. He had to see that coming anyway.

db

Honestly, the Celtics already have a Carmello that fits into this team, is a better rebounder, better defender and plays a lot harder night in and night out. His name is Marcus Morris.

Years ago - of course, Mello was one of the best offensive players in the NBA. Now he is a worn out, locker room culture killer. He wore out his welcome from coast to coast.

Addition by subtraction imo. No thanks.

MRKleen09

Melo can fill the basket. He was a long time average 20+ scorer and can get his shot off under pressure. For the right price, mine!

112288

He is averaging less than Morris with more shots, less rebounds, no defense and lower shooting %. And from all accounts, a pain in the ass in the locker room.

I guess for free - sure. But I would rather see how the year plays out. There will be other more useful buyouts coming down the road after the first of the year.

MrKleen

Check your email

112288

Will do

OK GREAT!!!

please sign Melo Philly.....PLEASE

worked out well for Houston and I'm sure Butler and he will click, we all know how much Melo plays defense and works hard.


LMAO...so glad hes coming no where NEAR the Celtics.

Whatever team signs melo will have to deal with chemistry issues.

Maybe by April they will have that solved.

I see no reason why Celtics fans should be concerned.