Carmelo Anthony Says Pelicans Tried to Coax Him Out of Retirement

The longtime NBA standout last played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022.

Carmelo Anthony last played professionally for the Lakers in 2022, officially announcing his retirement in May. But, apparently, one organization and one country have tried to coax the future Hall of Famer out of retirement. 

In a sneak peek excerpt from his new podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn, alongside online personality The Kid Mero, Anthony was asked which teams tried recruiting him, and he couldn’t help but laugh. The first episode of the new podcast is set to drop Thursday. 

“China,” Anthony answered with a smile.

He added that the Pelicans also inquired about his availability as well. It didn’t sound as if he was close to signing with New Orleans or overseas, though. 

Carmelo says China and New Orleans called him to play

(🎥 @7PMinBrooklyn) pic.twitter.com/HsdtjYS3Hw

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 5, 2023

“That would have been that jersey … hide that, hide that,” Anthony said of potentially signing with the Pelicans. 

New Orleans appeared to not take Anthony airing out their history well afterward. 

Lemme delete this https://t.co/2waAYroCIf

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 5, 2023

Anthony, 39, is a 10-time All Star and recognized as one of the best scorers in basketball history, but his playing days sound like they’re in his past. Anthony averaged 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 2021-22 with the Lakers.