Carmelo Anthony: 3 Teams that could still offer the free agent a route back to the NBA

The 2019-20 NBA season is just a week away and Carmelo Anthony remains without a team. Less than three years ago, Melo was considered among the NBA's best players, although the 10-time All-Star's stock has fallen after largely unsuccessful spells with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.

His stint with the Thunder was dominated by his reluctance to come off the bench, and his performances during the 2018 playoffs were widely criticized. Meanwhile, Anthony appeared to be a bad fit for the Rockets from the offset, and few were surprised when he was instructed to find a new team after just 10 appearances.

Anthony has still yet to find a new team and many analysts have stated that he may have already played his final NBA game. Nevertheless, Melo remains among the best available free agents and it still possible that he could make a triumphant return to the NBA. So with the new season almost upon us, here we will assess the three teams most likely to give Anthony a shot at redemption.

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#3 Brooklyn Nets

Carmelo enjoyed a memorable spell in New York with the Knicks

Just last month it seemed that Anthony was on the verge of making his return to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets. Several veteran members of the Nets roster had urged the front office to make a move for Anthony, and it seemed that the franchise would be willing to meet the wishes of their recently acquired All-Star duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. However, the Nets eventually looked elsewhere for reinforcements, and talk of Anthony heading to Brooklyn has since been paused.

Nevertheless, there are still doubts over the Nets' ability to compete without the injured Durant, and an opportunity could still open up for Anthony as the season progresses. Ultimately, this one isn't likely to happen in the next few weeks, although if the Nets start slowly, the front office may cave to the pressure to bring the 35-year-old on board.

#2 Miami Heat

Carmelo Anthony is noted for his friendship with Heat legend Dwyane Wade

The Miami Heat managed to avert a rebuild this summer by completing an unlikely sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler. The addition of the four-time All-Star has renewed optimism within the organization, and Pat Riley has expressed his intent to pair the former Chicago Bulls man with a second-star.

However, while the Heat have been linked with the likes of Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Love - a second star has yet to arrive, and Miami still lacks depth ahead of the new season. In particular, scoring could be a problem for a Heat team with little quality on the bench, and Anthony could ease their problems by contributing 10-15 points on a nightly basis.

With the Heat's trade prospects currently dependant on their ability to move Goran Dragic and James Johnson, Melo provides a short term fix and South Beach is a great landing spot for the 10-time All-Star.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

Carmelo Anthony faced off against LeBron and the Lakers during his brief Rockets spell

While Anthony has been linked with several teams over the summer, the former All-Star still appears to be a perfect fit for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers roster is already filled with veterans aiming to change their narrative and Anthony would be an excellent addition to a bench that has looked weak during preseason.

Anthony also retains the backing of LeBron James, and the Lakers were high enough on the former Knicks man to pursue a deal before falling out of contention last season. Kyle Kuzma's ongoing injury concerns also raise the need for added depth at forward, and Melo has worked hard to stay in shape so that he can make an immediate impact.

Ultimately, Anthony deserves one final shot at redemption, and he would be able to provide the Lakers with much-needed depth as they chase a title this season.