The start of NBA free agency was a wild few days, as billions of dollars got thrown around and, within a week, the majority of free agents had found homes.
The last big domino to fall was Kawhi Leonard picking the Clippers — and managing to get Paul George to push for a trade to join him — which led to a later Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul swap in Houston. By mid-July, pretty much everything had sorted itself out, and as we approach mid-August, there’s very few roster spots and cap space left for anyone still looking for a job.
Carmelo Anthony is the biggest name still seeking employment in the NBA, as he’s been unable to find a home since being let go by the Rockets during last season. Anthony still believes he can contribute to an NBA team, and has made it very clear he wants his career to continue. The problem is that his last few stops have raised questions about whether he would ever be willing to accept a much lesser bench role, which many believe is the way he could actually be a positive addition to a team.
That’s the biggest question facing Carmelo as he has to convince a team he can do that — or, less likely, find a team willing to give him a bigger role — but he’s making sure he’s staying in the best shape possible to get that opportunity. We saw video earlier this month of him working out with LeBron James and Chris Paul, and according to SNY’s Ian Begley and Anthony Puccio, Anthony has been with Nets players in L.A. working out and scrimmaging at Kyrie Irving’s organized team get together.
Ten-time All-Star and free agent forward Carmelo Anthony has been participating in informal team workouts and scrimmages with Brooklyn Nets players in Los Angeles recently, per SNY sources.
Now, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean anything other than Anthony getting himself some run with NBA players, especially considering the Nets don’t have a roster spot right now. Anthony has said he’s spoken with the L.A. teams, among others, but Begley and Puccio note it’s unknown whether the Nets are among those teams or if they have interest.
With 15 players on guaranteed deals, to sign Melo the Nets would need to cut someone and eat that entire salary, plus add Anthony’s salary. That seems unlikely, but Anthony seems determined to show everyone he’s serious about getting on a team for next year by doing whatever it takes.
