Nene Stirs Speculation with Instagram Post of Carmelo Anthony in Rockets Jersey

As Carmelo Anthony trade rumors simmer, Nene added more flame to the fire by posting an image of the New York Knicks forward in a Houston Rockets jersey.

The 34-year-old big man, who agreed to a three-year, $11 million contract to stay in Houston, has since deleted the Instagram post where he expressed his desire to reunite with his former Denver Nuggets teammate.

On Monday night, ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported that "the Knicks and Anthony feel good about the possibility of completing a deal that sends him out of New York." The previous day, ESPN colleagues Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst said the Rockets "are turning full attention" to acquiring Anthony after signing James Harden to a massive extension.

Nevertheless, Nene seemed to jump the gun. He probably acted merely as a hopeful spectator, but the post will spark speculation of his having inside knowledge.

The Rockets would be an awkward fit for Anthony, who didn't jell well with head coach Mike D'Antoni when working together on the Knicks. He would also need to accept less touches behind Harden, but they would undoubtedly possess substantial scoring prowess alongside the recently acquired Chris Paul.

A Photoshopped picture doesn't count as a scoop, so everyone must keep waiting for actual news developments on the Anthony trade front.

[Space City Scoop, h/t For The Win]