Carmelo Anthony finalizes Hawks buyout; clearing waivers next step

Carmelo Anthony has finalized a contract buyout with the Atlanta Hawks and plans to wait until clearing waivers to officially tell the Houston Rockets of his plans to sign a free-agent deal, league sources told ESPN.

The Hawks waived Anthony on Monday morning, paving the way for him to clear waivers on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET.

Anthony will get his full $27.9 million salary for the 2018-19 season, accepting a $2.4 million reduction in his buyout with the Hawks that will essentially return to him once he signs $2.4 million veteran's-minimum deal with his new team, league sources said.

Anthony waived his no-trade clause to allow Oklahoma City to move him to Atlanta in a three-way deal with Philadelphia. Anthony has been working out with Rockets stars Chris Paul and James Hardenand met with general manager Daryl Morey and coach Mike D'Antoni in Las Vegas during summer league, league sources said. The Thunder granted permission to do so once the sides decided that a parting was imminent. Anthony had also met with the Miami Heatand considered signing there.

The 34-year-old Anthony is a 10-time All-Star forward. He averaged 16.2 points per game for the Thunder a year ago -- below his 24.1 PPG career average in the NBA.