Carmelo Anthony’s goal is to contribute to an NBA playoff team this spring. As of now there does not seem to be a great market in adding the former All-Star but that is bound to change after the trade deadline in the buyout market. The Celtics have routinely added a player in the buyout market in the past 10 years as it is a low-risk, high-reward type deal that does not have much of an effect on the salary cap and longterm plans.
Danny Ainge has long been intrigued with the possibility of adding the sharp-shooting Anthony and February may finally be the time he strikes. Anthony was the player many thought that Kyrie Irving was referring to when he stated the need for another “veteran” presence in the locker room. Irving made the comment around the same time that things went south with Anthony in Houston.
The Sixers “resisted” the idea of trading for Anthony back in December and with all of the issues surrounding Jimmy Butler right now adding another big-personality veteran is far from the best idea.
Right now the most likely destination for Anthony remains the Lakers. LeBron James has long said he want to play at least one season with his Banana Boat buddy, and the time finally seems right. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted out the following on Monday: “The Los Angeles Lakers have an interest in Anthony but have no plans to waive a player to create an available roster spot for him, league sources said. If a roster spot becomes available with the Lakers before or after the trade deadline, they’ll be a possible destination for Anthony, league sources said.”
The Athletic’s Sam Amick also believes that Anthony will wind up in LA.
“The Lakers, who have a full roster and would have to waive someone to sign him if he was waived, continue to be tied to Anthony more than any other team. But according to a Lakers source, the fact that the roster is full is not a small obstacle.”
Anthony played in just 10 games with the Rockets but still averaged double-figures in points, scoring at a 13.4 ppg clip. Last year in Oklahoma City despite up and downs, he averaged 16.2 points per game. To date, Anthony still hasn’t been used in the type of role that should suit this stage of his career. The Rockets were trying to play him like a traditional six man as he averaged 29.4 minutes per game during his short stint in Texas. Whichever team winds up signing Anthony will likely play him around 14-18 minutes per game and in a “break in case of emergency” role in the postseason.
