Reports: Rockets to use Martin as trade bait for Carmelo Anthony
The Houston Rockets are interested in acquiring Carmelo Anthony after all. On Tuesday, a source close to situation reported that the Rockets are going to use high-scoring guard Kevin Martin
as the centrepiece of the package in exchange for the three-time NBA all-star.
A week after they insisted not to trade Martin, the Rockets might have a change of heart over the matter following reports that they are determined to ship the sweet-shooting guard for
a shot at Anthony.
Martin, 27, averaged 21.3 points and 2.9 boards in 24 games with the Rockets.
The Rockets acquired him in a three-way deal that shipped Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks and Carl Landry to the Sacramento Kings before February's trade deadline.
Aside from Martin, the New York Times indicated the Rockets are planning to trade several draft picks and perhaps another reliable veteran on their roster.
Anthony, 26, has been demanding the Denver Nuggets since last month, but so far, only the Rockets and the New Jersey Nets have a chance to land the superstar.
The Chicago Bulls, who possess a handful of talents after a busy off-season, repeatedly asserted they don’t want to part ways with centre Joakim Noah.
The Nuggets are looking for the next dominant in exchange for Anthony and they believe Noah, a 6-foot-11 rebounding prodigy, is one player who could answer their needs.
Meanwhile, many basketball analysts think the New York Knicks have a long-shot opportunity to nab Anthony, mainly due to their incapability to put up an enticing package for the Nuggets
front office.
Like the Rockets, the Nets are willing to sacrifice key players and deal draft picks for Anthony, who averaged 28.2 points and 6.6 boards last season.
The Nets will likely use 3rd overall draft pick Derrick Favors, as well as Troy Murphy, Kris Humphries, for the deal. However, this might not work out following reports that
Anthony has no interest in re-signing with the Nets if traded this season.
With the return of centre Yao Ming and immense development of point guard Aaron Brooks, the Rockets are expected to be a formidable force in the West. Still, they are aware that adding
Anthony would automatically make them a title contender not only for this upcoming season but in the future as well.
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