NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Teams that should make a move for Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony last season endured a difficult year with the Oklahoma City Thunder, although Melo looked set to have a better season as a member of the Rockets roster. The 10-time All-Star had finally put his pride aside to take a role from the bench, and being in Houston handed Melo the chance to finally end his wait for a first NBA Championship.

Nevertheless, things didn't work as planned for Houston and Anthony, and after just 10 games, Melo was told to find a new team. After more than two months of limbo, Anthony finally found a new team in the Chicago Bulls, although the Bulls are already looking to either waive or trade the former All-Star.

This means that Melo is still looking for a permanent home, and a trade could be imminent as the trade window will close in two weeks time. So with Melo looking for a fourth team in eight months, here we will look at three potential destinations for the former Knicks man.

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#3 Miami Heat

Miami Heat v Los Angeles Lakers

The Miami Heat currently have a disappointing 22-24 record, although the team still looks likely to reach the postseason. Despite having a win ratio under .500, the Heat currently occupies eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, and Miami boasts a much better roster than the teams around them such as the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets.

Melo is likely to be willing to only join a playoff chasing team, and Miami fit this bill. The Heat also have Melo's longtime friend in Dwyane Wade, and the 34-year-old will be motivated by the prospect of finally playing alongside his close friend. Anthony would also provide points to the Heat's misfiring bench, so Miami looks like a solid option for Melo.

#2 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers v New York Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers currently boasts an impressive 32-17 record, although doubts remain over the Sixers ability to compete in the postseason. The Sixers squad is extremely light compared to their Eastern Conference rivals such as the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia gave up a lot of their depth when they acquired Jimmy Butler last year.

Only four players on the current Sixers roster are averaging more than 10 points per game, and it is always difficult to see where the points will come from when Simmons, Butler, and Embiid are resting. Adding Anthony would give the Sixers a reliable scorer from the bench, who in his brief time with the Rockets, averaged 13.4 points per game. The presence of Melo's experience on Philly's young roster may also prove to be positive, and there is no doubting that Anthony would give a boost to the Sixers depleted roster.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to add a second All-Star to play alongside LeBron James, however, these plans look set to take a backseat until the summer, due to a lack of available stars. In light of this, the Lakers have targeted players such as Trevor Ariza, although these moves have been unsuccessful, and the Lakers roster still needs additions as we head towards the trade deadline.

It looks extremely unlikely that the Lakers will manage to pull off a big trade, so Magic Johnson is likely to focus on backup targets, such as Carmelo Anthony. A deal for the former All-Star would be a low-risk investment for the Lakers, as Melo's minimum deal will expire in the summer, and the team can then look towards long-term targets. Ultimately, Melo will be motivated to prove his doubters wrong, and the Lakers will struggle to find a better player available on a veteran's deal.