New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony reacts after hitting a 3-point shot in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets on January 27 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

July 9 (UPI) -- With James Harden now locked down for the foreseeable future and Chris Paul in the fold, the Houston Rockets have shifted focus toward adding Carmelo Anthony.

League sources told ESPN that the Rockets have "turned full attention to" completing a deal for the New York Knicks star.


Anthony, 33, posted 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season. The 10-time All-Star is due $26.2 million next season and has an option for early termination of $27.9 million in 2018. Anthony's contract includes a no-trade clause, but he has said in the past that he would "consider" waiving the clause. He has also said at times that he wants to stay with the Knicks.

The 14-year veteran was the focus of some pointed comments from former Knicks president Phil Jackson last season when Jackson said he would be "better off somewhere else."

Despite Jackson being fired in June, league sources said Anthony remains on the trade block, according to The Vertical.

Anthony has been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics and Rockets this offseason. League sources told ESPN in June that Anthony was discussing a buyout with the franchise. The network later reported that Anthony wanted to leave the Knicks to join Paul and Harden.

An NBA source told the New York Post that the Knicks won't make a move with Anthony until a new president and general manager is chosen to replace Jackson.

Steve Mills is currently the Knicks' acting president.