Just four days ago, a Carmelo Anthony trade to the Houston Rockets was at the two-yard line. But trade talks stalled towards the end of last week, leaving Anthony on the Knicks roster for the time being. New general manager Steve Mills was reportedly hoping to convince Anthony to stay, but the 10-time All-Star is expecting trade discussions to resume shortly. From ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski:

Whatever stance a post-Phil Jackson front office is taking now, Anthony expects the Knicks to resume trade talks soon and honor the franchise's long-standing goal to rebuild without him, league sources said.

Anthony, 33, has been willing to waive his no-trade clause for Houston and Cleveland, but in recent weeks, he has begun to prioritize a trade to the Rockets to join Chris Paul and James Harden over one to the Cavaliers and LeBron James, league sources said.

Im probably in the minority of people who would rather see Anthony go to the Cavaliers instead of the Rockets, as unlikely as it may be. Good luck getting a player who has spent the last several years of his career shooting elbow jumpers almost exclusively to buy into launching threes at a rapid rate. Also, he played under DAntoni in New York from 2010-12, and that didnt necessarily go too well. Hes not going to put Houston over the top.

CJ McCollum Wants Carmelo to join the Trail Blazers

I dont think a team that was 11th in offensive efficiency and 21st in defensive efficiency should think that Carmelo Anthony is the answer to their problems, but to each his own.

Someone is selling a life-sized Joel Embiid balloon on Craigslist - Liberty Ballers, Kyle Neubeck

If youve got some nice power tools, it could be yours!

Luc Mbah a Moute agrees to sign 1-year deal with Rockets

Mbah a Moute played in 80 games with the Los Angeles Clippers last year, averaging 6.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per game. The former Sixers deal is reportedly for the veterans minimum. Hell add some solid defense to a team that will desperately need it.

NBA Summer League: The Most Intriguing List - Sports Illustrated

When the quickest player on the floor at Summer League chooses to play at a moderate pace, that warrants some attention. [Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis] Smith is a dizzying athletethe sort that can blow by the vast majority of his Vegas competition. Yet rather than seek out those openings whenever he could, Smith has showed a surprising willingness to rear back and reset the offense. Quick bursts have given his moves the edge they need without sacrificing control. Rarely are rookie speedsters so discerning, particularly when let loose on the first stage of their professional career.

Kendrick Perkins hopes to get training camp invite from a team - ESPN

"I've been keeping my weight down, making sure I'm getting all the cardio I need, staying in great shape," he told the newspaper. "I'm just going to do what I can. I feel good. I've been on top of my basketball work and I'm just waiting for my opportunity, [if it] happens. I've just changed my diet, working on my quickness, and just trying to get better. It's 30 teams out there and I'm just looking for one opportunity. It will come. I'm just trying to leave it in God's hands."

Big Perk, aka Swamp Thang, last played for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2015-16. Were all rooting for you, Perk. The NBAs a little tougher when youre in it.

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Liberty Links: Carmelo Anthony still expecting a trade to Houston Rockets - Liberty Ballers