Skip to content

Harden: Carmelo to Rockets would be a 'great acquisition'

J Pat Carter / Getty Images Sport / Getty

At this time last year, James Harden sounded very open to the possibility of the Houston Rockets acquiring Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks via trade, describing the forward as "one of the best players that we have in this league."

Fast forward to the present day, and the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player is just as enthusiastic about Anthony potentially making his way to Houston.

"It would be a great acquisition for us," said Harden on Friday, according to the Houston Chronicle's Matt Young. "Melo's a proven vet. He just wants to win at this point, so it would be great for him to be on our team.

"The current roster we have now, we've got good guys back and we keep making forward progress."

The Oklahoma City Thunder recently shipped Anthony to the Atlanta Hawks in a multi-team trade that included the Philadelphia 76ers. This came after the 34-year-old veteran opted into the $27.9 million he was owed for 2018-19 by not exercising his early termination option.

The Hawks will reportedly waive Anthony once the deal becomes official, therefore allowing him to sign with the Rockets, who have long been the front-runners.

By sending Anthony away, the Thunder saved themselves roughly $100 million in luxury tax, while also ridding themselves of a player who struggled mightily as a No. 3 option and stretch-four, and wasn't willing to accept a role coming off the bench.

Last season marked the first of Anthony's 15 in the Association where he didn't average at least 20 points per game, instead contributing 16.2 points on 40.4 percent shooting for the 48-win Thunder. His player efficiency rating (12.7), usage percentage (23.2), true shooting percentage (50.3), and value over replacement rating (minus-1.1) were also career lows.

Houston lost both Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute in free agency, and now has an opening at the three-spot in the starting lineup that Anthony could fill.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox