Despite the buzz, Carmelo Anthony has made it clear he won’t take up an NBA coaching gig, though he’s open to shaping the next generation as a college coach. But that’s not his ultimate goal. Melo’s grand ambition? Owning an NBA team. Once, he even floated the idea of teaming up with friends like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, for this massive dream. While that may materialize or not, Melo isn’t letting his wish to stay with the game fade — credits it to be the ultimate motivation.

During a chat with Complex, Carmelo Anthony was asked about the possibility of staying connected to basketball. With a warm smile, he said, “I’m not trying to walk away from the game completely. I think my focus was more on the grassroots and development in those stages.” 

A few months ago, Melo took a step toward this vision by becoming the global ambassador for the Australian NBL’s Next Stars program. The initiative, which develops future basketball stars, aligns perfectly with his focus on grassroots development. But he also aims for the possibility of something bigger.

“But yeah, my door is open when it comes to ownership. I do want to own a team. I would want to own an organization,” he said, adding, “That’s my North Star right there.” His candidness isn’t surprising—he’s long been vocal about this aspiration, had even hinted at progress previously.

“Now. I want it now,” he had said when asked about his NBA ownership plans, back in June. “And that’s something that I’m working towards as we speak. So, I’m actually excited about those opportunities.” However, given an opportunity, he doesn’t want to achieve this dream alone.

Carmelo Anthony wants friends to join

In an old episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, Melo hinted at wanting his longtime friends Dwyane Wade and LeBron James to join him on this ambitious journey.

“I would love it,” he said on the possibility. “That’s how you create what they talk about—generational,” he further added. And for him, the idea of ownership isn’t just about money, but about creating a legacy. “That’s legacy if we can do that. I don’t know how, I’m open. I don’t know how open they are; everybody’s in their own situation.” 

In the current situation, both Melo and Wade can own or be a part of the ownership of any NBA team. But as LeBron is still active in the league, he can’t. So they have to wait till his retirement, which might not be very far, tough, at the age of 39 LeBron still going hard.

Financially and experientially, they’re ready. Anthony’s estimated $160 million net worth pairs well with Wade’s $170 million and LeBron’s $1.2 billion. Wade has already tested the waters, owning stakes in the Utah Jazz and Chicago Sky, while LeBron owns parts of Liverpool FC and AC Milan. With Melo’s involvement in Australia’s NBL, their collective expertise might just make this dream a reality.