Report: Sixers interested in acquiring Carmelo Anthony

By Josh Liddick, Sports Talk Philly editor 

You all probably didn't expect this to be the headline you saw when you woke up and opened Facebook or Twitter on this Monday morning.

But it's clear and it's definitely interesting, according to Kevin O'Connor of the Ringer, the Sixers seem to be interested in acquiring veteran forward Carmelo Anthony, who mutually agreed with the Oklahoma City Thunder to part ways after one rocky season with the team.

Interesting. NBA execs largely consider Houston the favorite for Carmelo Anthony. Also have heard Lakers, Heat, and Sixers mentioned. I bet it’ll be the Rockets though. https://t.co/hHciV6PWvx

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 9, 2018

The Sixers have had a relatively quiet offseason since missing out on both Paul George and LeBron James in free agency, and have since traded for Wilson Chandler, signed Nemanja Bjelica, and re-signed both JJ Redick and Amir Johnson.

Now, with the opportunity to trade for one of this generation's stars in Carmelo Anthony, who has lost his Melo touch over the years, the Sixers seem to be interested in trying to get him.

It's still pretty much an unknown whether the Thunder plan on finding a trading partner for Anthony or just releasing him completely, but his nearly $28 million deal for the 2018-19 season is definitely troubling.

From a personal standpoint, the Sixers don't need the extra money on the books especially with a player like the 34-year-old Anthony who has definitely not been the player he was when he was coming throught the league just 10 years ago. After the All-Star Break last year, Melo's scoring took a dip for the worst, averaging just 13.7 points per game on 38 percent shooting.

Anthony averaged 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, shot 40.3 percent from the field, and 35.7 percent from beyond in 78 games last season for OKC. All averages well below his career averages of 24.1/6.5/3.0.

Quite frankly, Anthony can't shoot like he used to, and with the Sixers a growing team with loads of potential, they don't need an overpriced, overrated former superstar to demand things in the locker room and overshadow the real stars at the Wells Fargo Center, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

From the looks of things, it doesn't seem like there will be much to worry about in Carmelo Anthony coming to Philly, as the Rockets look to the be the bonafide favorites.