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Former Syracuse basketball Carmelo Anthony may be done with the Houston Rockets after just 10 games in uniform, according to multiple reports.
‘Melo has missed the NBA team’s last two games with an illness after shooting 1-for-11 in a loss Thursday to his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Concerns were raised about his fit alongside Rockets stars Chris Paul and James Harden after signing a one-year, $2.4 million deal this summer.
Two sources close to the situation told The New York Times‘ Marc Stein that Anthony was informed Sunday that “his brief time with the team will soon be ending.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said the Rockets were discussing Anthony’s role “and how they might still be able to proceed together for the rest of the season… talks are fluid.” Another ESPN reporter, however, said “Rockets players and coaches believe that Carmelo Anthony has played his final game for the franchise.”
According to Deadspin, the rumors suggest another buyout could be on the way for the 10-time NBA All-Star. Anthony signed as a free agent with Houston for the veteran’s minimum salary in August after he received a $27.9 million buyout from the Atlanta Hawks when OKC traded him to Atlanta.
Houston reached the Western Conference finals last year after posting the league’s best record, but lost in the series to eventual champion Golden State Warriors. The Rockets have struggled early this season, with a 5-7 record after a win over the Indiana Pacers Sunday.
Team GM Daryl Morey has called speculation about Anthony’s future “unfair,” but Paul reportedly sounded unsure about his longtime friend continuing to play with the team.
“Melo’s been great here,” Paul said Sunday. “That’s like a brother to me, know what I mean? I don’t know what’s being said or whatnot, but Melo’s been great, working hard every day. So we’ll see what happens.”
If Anthony’s contract is bought out or he’s traded, it’s unclear where he could end up. Anthony, 34, led Syracuse University to its only NCAA title in 2003 and has won three Olympics gold medals with coach Jim Boeheim, but has struggled to find postseason success in the NBA.
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Evan Turner have tweeted messages of support for Anthony.
Scroll through to see the latest reactions and speculation about Melo’s future.
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