Carmelo Anthony is heading back to the NBA, as the Portland Trail Blazers are signing the veteran forward to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Anthony, 35, who has been out of the NBA for over a year, has been in contact with the team, via his representation, since the preseason with conversations picking up over the course of the last few days.
Blazers president of basketball operations Neil Olshey and Blazers’ head coach Terry Stotts talked directly with Anthony on Thursday before reaching an agreement.
The Blazers have struggled to start the season, posting a 4-8 record, and are preparing to embark on a six-game road trip that starts on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs.
The addition of Anthony helps soften the blow of the loss of Zach Collins to a shoulder injury.
Anthony, a 10-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA player, last played for the Houston Rockets, in a short 10-game stint during the 2018-2019 season.
Anthony’s reluctance to play a reserve role put a lot of teams off, but maybe he has a roled carved out for him, that appeases both parties, with the Blazers.
Only time will tell.