Carmelo Anthony: 3 teams that should consider signing the veteran free agent this summer

Carmelo Anthony's 2018/19 season had ended by November. Melo joined the Houston Rockets last summer, and despite accepting a role leading the reserve unit, he went on to play just 10 times.

Anthony averaged a respectable 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, yet Mike D'Antoni and his coaching staff were frustrated by his poor defense. Compounded by Houston's awful start to the campaign, Anthony became somewhat of a scapegoat, and he was quickly informed that he had no future with the Rockets.

Over the next five months, Melo was linked to numerous teams around the NBA, however, a move never materialized. Nevertheless, Anthony has continued to work out in his native New York, and despite turning 35 later this month, he has offered no indications that he is ready to call time on his career.

So, as the 2019 offseason quickly approaches, here are three teams that could be a good fit for the veteran star.

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#3 Oklahoma City Thunder

Melo spent the 17/18 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Anthony joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer of 2017, immediately kicking off the so-called 'OK3' era. The combination of Melo, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook was expected to transform the Thunder into genuine contenders, although the team suffered a bitterly disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Donovan Mitchell inspired Utah Jazz.

The Game 6 playoff defeat turned out to be Anthony's final game in an OKC jersey, as Sam Presti opted to trade away the final year of Melo's contract in a cost-cutting move.

Nevertheless, both George and Westbrook are believed to have faith in Anthony's ability, and the veteran no longer commands one of the biggest salaries in the NBA. A reunion remains somewhat of a long-shot, although the Thunder urgently needs to add shooters to their bench.

#2 New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony enjoyed a seven-year spell with the Knicks

Despite spending the first half of his career with the Denver Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony will forever be associated with the New York Knicks. Anthony represented the Knicks between 2011 and 2017, and during a period marred by poor management and business decisions, Melo proved to be the lone bright spark.

Anthony led the team to three playoff appearances, also taking home the NBA scoring title in 2013. Memorable appearances also included a 62-point, 13-rebound, 0 turnover game at Madison Square Garden against the Charlotte Hornets (then Bobcats).

The state of the franchise hasn't improved since Anthony's exit nearly two years ago, however, the Knicks believe that they will sign both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant this summer. Evidently, the team will also need firepower from the bench, and a vastly motivated Melo could be the man to do this.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James remains a fan of his 2003 draft class partner

Anthony has been linked with a number of teams this year, although he came closest to joining the Los Angeles Lakers. After months of hints and rumors, the Lakers' interest in the veteran was confirmed back in March, however, both parties agreed to 'pause talks' after the Lakers fell out of playoff contention.

Nevertheless, LeBron James is believed to remain keen on the prospect of the Lakers signing his long-time friend, and Anthony himself is likely to jump at the opportunity to compete for a title in Los Angeles.

Melo wouldn't be among the go-to men, although it seems as though he has finally accepted that he is better suited to a reserve role. Ultimately, if Anthony is willing to embrace a role similar to Dwyane Wade, then there is no reason why he can't extend his NBA career for at least one more year.