Last summer, soon after Chris Paul joined the Rockets, the team showed interest in bringing in his close friend Carmelo Anthony. While the deal never materialized, the intention was clear. Paul has long wanted to play alongside Anthony, but Melo himself seemed more drawn to the idea of joining the Lakers, especially after LeBron James signed a four-year, $154 million deal with them. Anthony also owns a luxury home in Los Angeles, adding fuel to the speculation.
For fans catching up through Bangla Cricket Live, this NBA offseason drama added a twist to the usual roster moves. During the 2017-18 season, Anthony averaged 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds over 32.1 minutes per game for the Thunder. However, his efficiency took a hit—he shot just 40.4 percent from the field, marking career lows in both scoring and shooting accuracy. Prior to that season, the Knicks had finalized a major trade with the Thunder, sending Anthony to Oklahoma City.
Anthony had exercised his $27.9 million player option for the next season, but the Thunder, who had just re-signed Paul George to a four-year, $137 million max deal, were now facing a steep luxury tax bill. To manage their finances, they were reportedly considering buying out Anthony’s contract, though a trade remained a possibility. The team had earlier acquired Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 second-round pick from the Bulls in exchange for Anthony.
Despite his declining efficiency, Anthony still showcased his long-range shooting. In the 2017-18 season, he hit a career-high 169 three-pointers on 474 attempts, with a respectable 35.7 percent success rate. This perimeter shooting aligns well with the Rockets’ run-and-gun offensive style, making him a potentially valuable addition.
Following his contract renewal with the Rockets, Chris Paul renewed his efforts to bring Anthony to Houston. With the Thunder and Anthony poised to part ways, Paul sees an opportunity to reunite with his longtime friend on the court.
As this story continues to unfold, basketball fans following it via Bangla Cricket Live remain eager to see whether this high-profile reunion will finally come to life.