How Carmelo Anthony would fit with the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat

Jay Asser 16:26 07/07/2018
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  • Carmelo Anthony could link up with one of his friends.

    Carmelo Anthony’s stay in Oklahoma City appears to be coming to an end, paving the way for the former All-Star to potentially join one of his close friends on another team.

    The Thunder will move on from Anthony and his $27.9 million contract to save money on a historic payroll and luxury tax bill, according to ESPN.

    By opting in to the final year of his deal this summer, Anthony increased the financial pressure on Oklahoma City, who are staring at a $310 million payroll after also re-signing Paul George and Jerami Grant.

    To relieve the burden, the Thunder are reportedly working on ways to part with Anthony, whether that’s through a trade, a buyout or by using the stretch provision – in essence spreading Anthony’s salary onto the cap over three years.

    Even if Anthony is traded, the team that acquires with him would likely to do so with the intention of waiving him.

    That would allow Anthony to go to a team of his choosing and possibly link up with one of LeBron James, Chris Paul or Dwyane Wade.

    Here’s a look at how Anthony would fit in Los Angeles, Houston and Miami.

    Los Angeles Lakers

    The Lakers have already added a number of characters this offseason, so what’s one more big personality to throw into the mix?

    Initially, the Lakers seem like the best destination for Anthony as a team in desperate need of shooters to surround James with. And with it looking unlikely that another elite player will join James in LA this summer, Anthony may at least placate LeBron’s desires to add more talent.

    However, depending on if they make a trade for Kawhi Leonard, the Lakers are already stocked with plenty of wings between James, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lance Stephenson, Josh Hart and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

    Anthony would also go against the Lakers’ reported plan of putting together a strong defensive team – while he does have the ability to guard multiple positions, Anthony isn’t known for his defence.

    With what the Lakers have done this summer though, anything is possible.

    Houston Rockets

    Anthony was linked with the Rockets last year and there reportedly remains interest from Houston’s side. Plus, they just lost their starting small forward, Trevor Ariza, in free agency to leave a hole in the starting lineup.

    He’s not exactly a one-for-one replacement for Ariza – who was so valuable in part because of his perimeter defence – but Anthony’s shooting fits perfectly in Houston’s bombs-away approach. And with more playmakers around him than he had in Oklahoma City, Anthony may finally reach the coveted, but elusive ‘Olympic Melo’ form.

    As long as Anthony is willing to be a third option again, which isn’t a given.

    Miami Heat

    If Anthony wants to go back to being a primary option, Miami makes the most sense.

    They’re nowhere near the level of the Rockets or the Lakers in terms of being a contender, but the Heat could use the scoring punch, while surrounding him with defensive-minded players.

    Putting up (mostly empty) numbers in a desirable location? Sounds like something right up Anthony’s alley.

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