On Thursday, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey announced the intention to end Anthony's career in Houston.
"After much internal discussion, the Rockets will be parting ways with Carmelo Anthony and we are working toward a resolution," said Morey.
Morey continued, "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."
Statement from Daryl Morey on Carmelo Anthony’s future with team.
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 15, 2018
“After much internal discussion, the Rockets will be parting ways with Carmelo Anthony and we are working toward a resolution.”
Details: https://t.co/YX8TnF6xRv pic.twitter.com/ctvlERcXfj
Shortly after Morey's statement went public, Mike D'Antoni weighed in with reporters ahead of Houston's game with Golden State on Thursday night.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the move.
Carmelo Anthony’s brief stop with the Houston Rockets is over, league sources tell ESPN. Anthony will part ways with team, although there are no immediate plans to place 10-time All-Star on waivers. Team announcement is expected before Rockets play Golden State tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2018
For now, Anthony will remain on the Rockets roster, but will not rejoin the team, sources said. Anthony’s wisest course of action could be exercising patience and allowing changes in league rosters – through trades, injuries, team needs --- to create more playing options for him. https://t.co/L5aC5Ueah0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2018
The Rockets have no plans to immediately waive Anthony and will continue to allow his representatives to survey the marketplace for a landing spot, which has been an ongoing process in recent days.
Anthony's wisest course of action could be exercising patience and allowing changes in current team rosters -- through trades or injuries -- to create more options for him.
Anthony's $2.4 million veteran's minimum salary could be claimed on waivers, or should he clear waivers he will be eligible to sign with a team.
Anthony, 34, left the team last Friday, after the Rockets decided that his role would be minimized and no longer considered him as a part of their plans. Coach Mike D'Antoni has assigned much of Anthony's playing time to rookie Gary Clark. Anthony had been hopeful to continue with the Rockets, with whom he signed over the summer for the chance to compete for a title.
D'Antoni and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey have emphasized that Anthony has fulfilled every obligation and responsibility asked of him since joining the team.
The Rockets play the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
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