reuters
atlanta
Carmelo Anthony's expected path to the Houston Rockets is nearly complete after a three-team deal that sends him to the Atlanta Hawks was finalized on Wednesday.
The framework for the complex deal that also involves the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers was put in place last week.
Marc Stein of The New York Times wrote on Monday that Anthony ultimately plans to sign with Houston once he is traded, released and clears waivers.
In the deal, Anthony goes to the Atlanta Hawks, along with a protected 2022 first-round pick from Oklahoma City and Justin Anderson from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Thunder get guard Dennis Schroder from the Hawks and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot from the 76ers.
The 76ers receive forward Mike Muscala from Atlanta.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank Carmelo Anthony and acknowledge his professionalism and contributions during his time with the Thunder. Although his tenure was only one year, the fact that Melo is a part of our history is important to us.
"We appreciate Carmelo and his agent Leon Rose for their collaboration and communication as we worked to resolve the situation in a fashion that was suitable to everyone. We wish Melo and his family nothing but the best in the future,"Thunder GM Sam Presti said in the team's statement.
Sources told The New York Times that the Hawks will release Anthony. By doing so, Anthony will earn the $27.9 million due to him next season under his existing contract, and then he can sign what is expected to be a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum of $2.4 million.
The Rockets and Anthony met earlier this month in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League.