According to a tweet sent out by ESPN‘s Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Houston Rockets have agreed to trade Carmelo Anthony and cash considerations to the Chicago Bulls. However, he will likely not play any games.
“Anthony won’t play a game for the Bulls, league source tells ESPN. He will be released and become a free agent if he clears waivers,” tweeted Wojnarowski. “…it is possible that franchise holds off on waiving him until the trade deadline, league sources tell ESPN. Bulls could include him in a one-for-one trade, but can’t aggregate his contract in another deal.”
Since today is a national holiday (Jan. 21), the official word will reportedly be held off until tomorrow. Wojnarowski reports that his “best bet” would be to wait it out until the trade deadline (Feb. 7) to find another opportunity with another team.
The Houston Rockets have agreed to trade Carmelo Anthony and cash to the Chicago Bulls, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 21, 2019
The NBA office will not execute the trade today because it’s a holiday, league sources tell ESPN. To clear the way for Kenneth Faried to sign and play tonight in Philadelphia, Rockets had to waive to James Nunnally. Trade call on ‘Melo will likely be Tuesday. https://t.co/Oo2IA0nsJP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 21, 2019
Anthony won’t play a game for the Bulls, league source tells ESPN. He will be released and become a free agent if he clears waivers. https://t.co/Oo2IA0nsJP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 21, 2019
Social media caught wind of the news, and reacted with shock and of course with laughs via some hot takes.
“Melo is revolutionizing the ‘farewell season’ by signing a contract with each NBA team before he retires, truly ahead of his time,” one tweet read, while another said “Melo is being held hostage by teams. Hopefully this means Liam Neeson will have a movie saving him come out around the trade deadline.”
Check out some tweets below.
Melo is being held hostage by teams. Hopefully this means Liam Neeson will have a movie saving him come out around the trade deadline.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) January 21, 2019
Melo stans: THE BUUUUUUULLS? pic.twitter.com/Y9nYBgNFuX
— #RingerNBA (@ringernba) January 21, 2019
.@Lakers fans looking at GM Lebron when Melo becomes free agent. pic.twitter.com/wJy3ujSAIH
— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) January 21, 2019
Carmelo Anthony will not play a game for the Bulls, but it is possible that franchise holds off on waiving him until the trade deadline, league sources tell ESPN. Bulls could include him in a one-for-one trade, but can’t aggregate his contract in another deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 21, 2019
For Anthony, his best bet is waiting until the Feb. 7 trade deadline to find his next team. He can wait for roster spots to open, trades to happen, etc, that’ll create the best opportunity for him. Anthony wants to find a place to contribute. https://t.co/cRgbMalvTl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 21, 2019