Rockets Reportedly Think Carmelo Anthony or Paul George Will Join Chris Paul

The Houston Rockets are reportedly confident in their chances to land either Carmelo Anthony or Paul George after trading for Chris Paul on Wednesday. 

Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com noted the Rockets think they are getting one of those superstar small forwards during the offseason to join Paul and James Harden. The update comes after Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported the team acquired the longtime Clippers point guard.

Paul, who was set to become one of the summer's most coveted free agents before the trade, recently told people he wanted to play with Anthony, per ESPN's Ian Begley.

In February, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News noted the point guard came to the New York Knicks star's defense amid criticism from former Knicks president Phil Jackson and people who didn't think Anthony deserved an All-Star Game selection.

"Melo like my brother," Paul said. "So anything that's affected him, at times it can affect me. So I can't speak for his team and what's going on there, but it's probably not beneficial when you're talking about your players in the paper."

The Rockets are quickly working to do everything in their power to join the NBA's heavyweight division alongside the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Having one superstar is no longer enough to become a serious championship contender due to the league's top-heavy nature.

Adding Anthony or George alongside Paul and Harden would give the franchise the foundation for success, though depth pieces would still be needed.

Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported Tuesday that Anthony had considered buyout talks with the Knicks, though he preferred to remain in New York City.

Meanwhile, George has been one of the most popular names in the rumor mill since last season's trade deadline. He's heading into the final guaranteed year of his current contract.

Whether having three perimeter assets who all want the ballin the same offense would actually work is up for debate. But at a time when such a small percentage of the NBA teams are actual title contenders, it's hard to blame Houston for trying to go all-in this offseason.