Report: Melo has been saying he'll join Rockets

Carmelo Anthony has reportedly been telling people for more than a week that he expects to join the Houston Rockets after becoming a free agent, according to NBA.com's David Aldridge.

The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly dealt Anthony to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, and it's expected the 10-time All-Star will be bought out shortly after the trade becomes official, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Rockets have been considered the favorite to land the aging star, with Chris Paul pushing the front office to sign his good friend if Anthony became a free agent, according to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports. The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly also among the top contenders for the 34-year old's services.

Anthony will receive the full $27.9 million he's owed for next season in the buyout with the Hawks, according to Wojnarowski.

If he joins the Rockets, Anthony could get a starting role beside Paul and James Harden after Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute accepted deals elsewhere. Anthony can provide instant offense when he's at his best. However, his defensive deficiencies could hinder the Rockets' chances of defeating the Golden State Warriors in the postseason if the two teams meet again.

Anthony averaged 16.2 points on 40.4 percent shooting in a reduced role as the third option during his lone season with the Thunder.