NBA's Carmelo Anthony Headed To Puerto Rico? Rockets Confirm Exit

The Puerto Rico national basketball team are ready to welcome Carmelo Anthony into the fold after the Phoenix Rockets confirmed the small forward will be leaving the team after playing just 10 games since joining in the summer.

The 10-time NBA All-Star is looking for a landing spot once the Rockets waives him, but it is unlikely to happen before Dec. 15 as he is not eligible to be traded until after the trade restriction due to him signing as a free agent. Anthony only joined the Houston franchise in a one-year veteran’s deal this summer, but coach Mike D’Antoni and general Daryl Morey revealed his time with the team has not gone according to plan.

"After much internal discussion, the Rockets will be parting ways with Carmelo Anthony and we are working toward a resolution," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said in a statement. "Carmelo had a tremendous approach during his time with the Rockets and accepted every role head coach Mike D'Antoni gave him.”

“The fit we envisioned when Carmelo chose to sign with the Rockets has not materialized, therefore we thought it was best to move on as any other outcome would have been unfair to him."

According to ESPN, the Rockets are not planning to waive him anytime soon giving his representatives ample time to seeking out possible options. There are various teams still pondering trades and potential injury concerns, which could open up more doors for the veteran forward.

D’Antoni praised Anthony’s professionalism during his stay with the Rockets and revealed he tried everything possible to make the union work, but it was just not possible. It was for the first time in his career he was not a starter – he started just two of his ten games for the Rockets.

"In the summer, we tried to hit a home run. It didn't work out," D'Antoni said Thursday. "He tried everything he could. He was great while he was here. It just didn't work out for whatever reason. I just thank him for his professionalism. It was good, he tried everything we could to make it work. It just didn't work out."

The 34-year-old, however, has an open invitation from the Puerto Rican basketball association, who are more than willing to welcome him into the fold. Anthony is eligible to play for the island nation having been born in Brooklyn to a father of Puerto Rican descent.

The former Denver Nuggets star is one of the most decorated players in United States basketball history having won three Olympic gold medals and a bronze during his career. He retired from the national team in 2016 and will need a waiver from the US basketball association to represent Puerto Rico.

J.J. Barea, the Dallas Mavericks guard, who plays for the Puerto Rican national team is certain that the fans will love it if Anthony decides to represent them. The small forward is considered a hero in the island nation and has done a lot for the people through his foundation.

Puerto Rican basketball federation president Yum Ramos is certain he along with Barea can make a huge impact on the team and the nation if they decide to play together. The country is still recovering from the devastation of hurricane Maria that hit the nation this year.

"With his connection to Puerto Rico, his NBA stardom and his experiences, our fans would love it," Barea said, as per ESPN. "We tried a bunch to get him in the past, but of course nobody blamed him for playing for Team USA. But if he ever wants a chance to represent us, it would be awesome to have him."

“I'm a big fan of Carmelo not only as a basketball player but more importantly as one of our Puerto Rican heroes," Ramos added. "He and his foundation have done a lot for Puerto Rico. I think along with J.J. Barea, Carmelo could make a huge impact on the team and help lift the spirits of our country."