NBA Rumors: 3 teams that Carmelo Anthony could still sign with

After a difficult year with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Carmelo Anthony signed with the Houston Rockets last summer and former coach, Mike D'Antoni. Melo's move to Houston looked set to rekindle his faltering career, as the veteran finally accepted a leading role from the bench, and it appeared that Anthony would also finally have a shot at winning the NBA Championship that has continued to elude him.

Nevertheless, Anthony was blamed for the Rockets disastrous start to the season, and after just 10 games in a Houston uniform, the 34-year-old was told to find a new club. Despite immediately moving back to New York to keep up his fitness, Anthony remained on the Rockets roster until January, and upon finally being traded to the Chicago Bulls, Melo was waived just days later.

At 34, Melo's tenure in the NBA is coming to a close, however, at least for now, the 10-time All-Star still has the potential to contribute to a playoff contender, and here we will look at three potential destinations for the former New York Knicks player.

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#3 Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors v Detroit Pistons

For the first few months of the season, the Toronto Raptors were undoubtedly the NBA's most impressive team. The Raptors not only had the NBA's best record, but the team also blew away a number of contenders including the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics.

Nevertheless, while Toronto still sit 2nd in the East Standings, the team has struggled for form recent weeks, and doubts remain over the Raptors ability to compete in the playoffs.

The roster also needs some additional firepower from the bench, and when looking at the pool of free agent talents currently available, Anthony is the name that stands out. Evidently, Melo would spend large portions of time on the Toronto bench, however, Anthony could serve as the Raptors wildcard from the bench in the playoffs.

#2 Boston Celtics

Washington Wizards v Boston Celtics

Following LeBron James' summer move to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics were installed as the heavy favorites to advance from the Eastern Conference. After all, a Celtics team without both Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward came within just one game of the NBA Finals last season and both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown now have an additional year of experience behind them.

Nevertheless, the Celtics' season has bordered on disastrous, and the team currently face an uphill task to secure home-court playoff advantage. While Boston have plenty of depth on the bench, few reserves have been a regular source for points, and last week, the Boston Globe suggested that the team should move for Melo.

Admittedly, Melo would face a major task to get good minutes on a stacked roster, although if the 34-year-old is willing to join the team with no assurances on playing time, then Anthony could provide a new offensive threat from the bench.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers

While Carmelo Anthony has been linked with a number of teams over the last five months, the links of a move to the Lakers have been the most consistent and have up until this point refused to go away. It was revealed just last week that Anthony was nearing a move to the Lakers before the move was 'paused' following the teams poor run of form, while LeBron James has also tirelessly campaigned for the organization to sign his fellow 2003 draft class alumni.

The Lakers have already missed out on prime buyout targets such as Enes Kanter and Markeiff Morris, and the franchise is quickly running out of options. Admittedly, the Lakers may avoid bringing in anyone at all now due to their low chances of making the playoffs, however, if the Lakers put together a winning run over the next two weeks, Anthony could still find a way onto the team's roster.