Carmelo Anthony on Future, Possible Retirement: 'My Silence Is Not My Surrender'

Carmelo Anthony has finally spoken up about his unceremonious exit from the Houston Rockets nine months after GM Daryl Morey announced the team would be "parting ways" with him, and Anthony made it clear he is not ready to walk away from basketball.

"My silence is not my surrender," the 35-year-old told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on First Take on Friday.

Anthony added that he loved the game too much to hang up his sneakers at this point.

After being traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a salary dump and subsequently being bought out by the Atlanta Hawks last year, Anthony signed with Houston to team up with James Harden and friend Chris Paul in hopes of chasing the elusive championship ring. However, his Rockets tenure lasted just 10 games despite his willingness to accept a bench role.

The two sides went their separate ways in mid-November, leaving the 10-time All-Star's career in limbo. Houston ultimately traded him to the Chicago Bulls, who waived the forward without ever having him suit up for the team.

Anthony's future became a topic of conversation this week when trainer Chris Brickley appeared on The Breakfast Club and said Anthony was looking to get another shot in the NBA in hopes of receiving a farewell tour:

The 16-year veteran denied on First Take that he has ever mentioned a farewell tour.

Anthony let it be known that he is in the gym every day as he looks for his next opportunity.

"I want to play," Anthony said. "Ultimate goal is to win a championship. I want to play, and I want to win a championship. ... I miss the game. ... I deserve another shot." 

He noted that he believes he remains unsigned not because of his skill set but because of "politics."