Carmelo Anthony on NBA future: 'I know I can still play'

SportsPulse: Houston couldn't stay idle and watch everyone else improve. USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the blockbuster trade that sends Russell Westbrook to the Rockets where he will reunite with former teammate James Harden. USA TODAY

NBA free agent Carmelo Anthony was crestfallen after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey told him the team was "parting ways" last fall and compared the rejection to what millions of Americans go through in society.

"I honestly felt that I was fired," Anthony said on ESPN's First Take on Friday morning. "I felt like (what) other people go through on a day-to-day basis. People get fired."

Now, Anthony said he's rekindled his inner fire, and…