Dwyane Wade: Carmelo Anthony just needs ‘right fit’ in NBA

Saying it's a matter of finding "the right fit," Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade says he has little doubt that longtime friend Carmelo Anthony still has what it takes to help an NBA team.

Anthony, whose playing time with the Houston Rockets lasted just 10 games early this season, was traded to Chicago last week and is expected to be waived or traded by the Bulls before the league's Feb. 7 trade deadline, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, who cited league sources.

A rumored landing spot for Anthony is the Lakers, although, again per Wojnarowski, the Lakers aren't expected to waive another player right away to open a roster spot.

Anthony, a 10-time All-Star, attended the Heat-Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in New York to see Wade, who is playing in his final NBA season.

During an interview with MSG Network, Anthony said, "At this point, I just want to be happy. I think I've put myself in a good, peaceful mind state right now, (being) able to focus in on what I need to focus in on. And whatever's going to make me happy, then we're going to make it happen."

There's no reason that can't include continuing Anthony's NBA career, Wade said.

"It's about the right mentality. The toughest part for GMs, presidents, owners and players is how to handle an aging superstar, right, in this game. It has to all work perfectly. ... And unfortunately, his last stop in Houston, it wasn't the right stop. But Carmelo can play basketball," Wade said.

The crowd gave Anthony a lengthy and loud standing ovation when he was shown on the JumboTron. Anthony spent seven seasons playing for the Knicks, ending with the 2016-17 season.

Anthony averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in his time with the Rockets.

In his 16-year career, he has averaged 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 35.8 minutes in 1,064 games. He led the league in scoring at 28.7 points a game for the Knicks in the 2012-13 season. — Field Level Media/Reuters