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Already Done In Houston? Carmelo Anthony- An Easy Scapegoat

Many of Carmelo Anthony’s critics claim that the 10-time All-Star never really cared about his teams and that he always has been only in it for the money. This is why everyone expected him to opt-into his 2018-19 deal with the Thunder worth $27.9 million.

Melo then was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-way deal. The Thunder received Dennis Schröder from Atlanta and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot from Philadelphia. The Hawks meamwhile now have Justin Anderson (Sixers) on their roster and receive a lottery-protected 2022 first-round draft pick from the Thunder. Philly gets Mike Muscala from Atlanta.

Anthony never played a minute for the Hawks, and was bought out of his contract. This has led to a ridiculous amount of money, Melo was paid per day, while being a Hawk. Anthony’s daily salary in Atlanta was $5.1 million.

Houston then signed him and was hopeful that he could improve their team.

Only a couple of weeks have past since and it seems as Carmelo Anthony already is done in Houston. Melo has become disgruntled with his role on a Rockets squad that’s majorly struggling. Why the Rockets struggle is a whole different story, and a weird one as well. Anthony definitely isn’t the sole problem of the team. But it kind of is his own fault why he’s the scapegoat.

Sources: Rockets players and coaches believe that Carmelo Anthony has played his final game for the franchise.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 12, 2018

The Rockets have denied they are waiving Carmelo Anthony, but two sources close to the situation say Anthony has been informed that his brief time with the team will soon be ending. Anthony has been listed as "out" for Houston's game tonight against Indiana due to illness

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 11, 2018

Carmelo Anthony wasn't even with the team tonight. At some point, it just gets ridiculous trying to point at various bit players (either new or departed) and act as if they're the reason for this massive falloff. The star players just aren't close to the same. That's the story.

— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) November 11, 2018

​Melo’s game is rapidly decreasing, which is normal when players get to a certain age and aren’t named LeBron James (how is this even possible?). But Melo’s inability to change his game and become relevant in a lesser role, or his inabilty to accept the decrease of his on-court talents, has made it harder for him, than for other former star players, like Gasol, Nowitzki, or Carter.

Carter could be the one Anthony should take a closer look at, assuming he wants to keep playing in the NBA, if the Rockets really plan to cut him. With his career story as of late, he won’t be able to find a roster spot on a contending team, and likely would have to settle with a bad team, just like Vince Carter. If not, it may be time for China…