Sources: Rockets Sending Carmelo Anthony to Bulls

NBA sources have said the Houston Rockets agreed to send veteran Carmelo Anthony to the Chicago Bulls. Anthony will not play for Chicago and will be eventually waived or traded by the Bulls prior to the February 7 trade deadline, said the same sources.

The two teams wanted the deal, which also included some cash, to be completed on Monday, but because of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the league office was not open and the trade call was not able to be completed to finalize their deal. Sources said it would be finalized on Tuesday.

Houston wanted to have Kenneth Faried in their lineup on Monday against Philadelphia, so they ended their 10-day contract with James Nunnally. Houston head coach Mike D’Antoni said he did not think it was right having to end the Nunnally contract early and believes there is a way the league could have done something to facilitate it.

Staff at the league off is available during holiday to take trades, but the league offices must be notified by teams of the terms of the trade before 6:00 p.m. ET on the business day before the holiday.

Faried clear league waivers following a buyout of his contract with Brooklyn and will play often at center for Houston due to Clint Capela being injured.

Chicago will not waive Anthony immediately and could use the sharpshooter in a one-for-one deal prior to the February 7 deadline.

The Lakers have shown an interest in acquiring Anthony but are not planning to waive any player to make a roster opening for him. If an opening were to be become available on the team prior to or after the deadline, Anthony may end up there said one league source.

If Anthony is not traded by the Bulls and eventually waived, he will have time before and after the trade deadline to check out NBA rosters for the best fit for him.