Carmelo Anthony is set to sign with the Houston Rockets on a one-year deal at the $2.4 million veteran minimum, according to The New York Times' Marc Stein. The 34-year old forward was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last week, but he'll eventually be waived, paving the way for him to join Chris Paul and James Harden in Houston.
Anthony won't officially join the Rockets until next week because the three-way trade between the Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers has yet to officially take place. According to Stein, the deal is currently being held up by the Philadelphia 76ers, who are looking to make another roster move before the trade is finalized.
According to reports, the Thunder have agreed to trade Melo and a protected 2022 first-round pick to the Hawks in exchange for point guard Dennis Schroder. Additionally, Atlanta's Mike Muscala will be sent to the Philadelphia 76ers, who will send Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot to OKC, and Justin Anderson to Atlanta.
While Anthony is expected to sign at the $2.4 veteran minimum, he'll still be receiving every cent of his $27.9 million salary for the 2018-19 season as part of his buyout with the Hawks once the trade is completed.
Last season, his first with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Anthony averaged a career-low 16.2 points per game as well as 5.8 rebounds.