Report: Hardaway Jr. signing could prompt Melo trade to Rockets

The New York Knicks appear to have 71 million more reasons to move on from Carmelo Anthony sooner rather than later.

The Atlanta Hawks aren't expected to match New York's four-year, $71-million offer sheet for wing Tim Hardaway Jr., and the pending big-money acquisition has reportedly prompted "a renewed willingness" to explore a trade that would send Anthony to the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Led by MVP runner-up James Harden, the Rockets are expected to make a significant push for the veteran scorer. Anthony has expressed interest in waiving his no-trade clause to facilitate a move to Houston.

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Chris Paul, a member of the infamous "Banana Boat" foursome with Anthony, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, is also friendly with Melo from their national team days, and as ambassadors for Jordan Brand. Before Paul was traded from the Clippers to the Rockets, Los Angeles was considered a dark horse to acquire Anthony.

The Rockets have been vocal about their desire to add a third All-Star-caliber player to the mix, so it makes sense that Anthony would be high on their list. In any case, his time in the Big Apple seems to be coming to an end.