The Houston Rockets reportedly are willing to trade "almost anything" for New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. Houston is said to have offered Omer Asik, Jeremy Lin and either a first round draft pick or Terrence Jones, according to Basketball Insider's Steve Kyler.
Houston is serious about their pursuit of Anthony, who can opt out of his contract and become a free agent on July 1.
"Houston would trade almost anything not named Dwight Howard and James Harden to get at Anthony and they would go all in on a contract too," Kyler wrote on Tuesday. "There has been talk that Houston has offered up Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin in a 'give away' trade that could include their draft pick in the first round or a roster player like Terrence Jones to get those salaries off the books."
New York is still widely considered to be the frontrunner to re-sign Anthony, but the All-Star is expected to receive offers from a number of teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks.
The Charlotte Hornets are also expected to be a suitor, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The Lakers, though, aren't expected to break the bank for Anthony. Kyler reported that although Los Angeles wants Anthony, they're unwilling to offer Anthony a lush contract.
Chicago has a chance to pick up Anthony, but they'd have to amnesty -- or trade -- Carlos Boozer and trade another play, such as Taj Gibson, to make salary cap room for Anthony.
Dallas, according to Kyler, has the money to offer Anthony a big payday.
"Dallas has the cash to go after Anthony straight up," Kyler wrote. "Dirk Nowitzki has already told the team he'll work with them to get them the cap space to sign another significant player. So Dallas could get to the $20-22.5 million number the Knicks are expected to offer. They could present a team built around Monta Ellis, Jose Calderon and Nowitzki with a proven coach in Rick Carlisle."
