NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Confirm Carmelo Anthony Trade; James Harden Gets All-Star Partner

Feb 22, 2017 02:11 AM EST

The Houston Rockets are steadily climbing the Western Conference, landing the third spot behind the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. With the James Harden era reaching its peak this basketball season, it looks like the playoffs will be an intense face-off soon. Now, reports are surfacing that a Carmelo Anthony trade could be coming to the Eric Gordon squad. Can a Melo-James Harden teamup topple the Stephen Curry-Kevin Durant tandem?

The New York Knicks are reportedly shopping for a huge payoff from a Carmelo Anthony trade before the NBA trade deadline. At the moment, sources point to the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks as the potential landing spots for the All-Star. However, it appears that the Houston Rockets could be more serious contenders to sign a Carmelo Anthony contract.

Rumors are rife that the James Harden squad feels that a Carmelo Anthony trade could be the best response to the Golden State Warriors' super team featuring Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. This could also be a great weapon to fight off the solid teamup of Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge in the San Antonio Spurs.

At the moment, no official comment has been provided by the parties concerned. However, a Carmelo Anthony trade possibility remains on the table. Unlike their usual denials in the past, the New York Knicks seem to be less vocal in their plans of keeping the All-Star. For his part, the Team USA champion appears to be open to an impending change in his career.

"I haven't figured out a situation that makes sense for both parties. I am not the kind of guy who just goes out there and says, 'Get me outta here ... get me outta here,' without having a plan. It's bigger than that," shared Carmelo Anthony of his future plans.

While this situation may be ideal for the Houston Rockers, fans are a tad critical over the high price tag of a Carmelo Anthony trade. Right now, the All-Star is still set to earn $26.5 million this NBA season alone. In the next two years, he is expected to take home roughly $55 million. His contract also carries a "no trade" term, thereby requiring his consent before they could execute an NBA trade involving him.

What do you think? Will a Carmelo Anthony trade be a good investment for the Houston Rockets? Or should the James Harden team just stick to their current lineup?