4 teams that should jump at chance to sign free agent Carmelo Anthony

3. Carmelo Anthony can fill the stretch-four void in South Beach

It was an unusually stagnant offseason for the Miami Heat. The team made no significant trades or free-agency signings following its second Eastern Conference Finals appearance in three years. Although keeping Victor Oladipo in town on a team-friendly deal was a success, Miami also lost its starting power forward and a crucial rotation piece in P.J. Tucker.

While Carmelo wouldn’t be able to make up for Tucker’s defensive prowess, he’d be a far more productive offensive piece to fill that gap. The other current options to fill minutes at power forward are Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, or Haywood Highsmith. Robinson and Martin are quite undersized for the role while Highsmith is unproven in the NBA.

Anthony offers instant offense for a defensive-minded team. He’s immediately one of the three most talented shot creators on the roster, along with Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. Miami needs someone to space the floor at the four spot and break dry spells when their half-court offense runs low on steam. This has been their undoing in the Playoffs several times over, and while he might limit their defense when in the rotation, Anthony is sure to boost their overall scoring.

The Heat have one remaining roster spot up for grabs. Given the city’s allure and this organization’s championship pedigree, Anthony could easily find himself settling in South Beach if it means another chance to compete for a title.