Carmelo Anthony no longer fit into the Thunders storm for 2019 and quiet as kept, part of Paul George re-signing with the franchise was probably based on what OKC was going to do with Melo, a guy who everyone knew was just taking the money in OKC like he did in New York, but his heart isnt really interested in winning a championship.
As reported by The Shadow League earlier today, Anthony’s agent, Leon Rose of CAA Sports, has a strong relationship and history with Thunder general manager Sam Presti, and they’ll work together on Anthony’s exit through trade, the NBA’s stretch provision, or a combined buyout and stretch, league sources said.
So after opting in and eating close to $30 million in salary, hes gonna leave and save OKC some scratch right now. We told you.
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
ESPN Sources with @royceyoung: Oklahoma City, Carmelo Anthony will part ways this summer, likely saving team over $100M. Thunder working with ‘Melo’s reps on exits that include trade, stretch provision. Story: https://t.co/mJbxINv2Cd
Melo wasnt terrible last season. Anthony hit a career-high number of 3-pointers last season and was credited by the coaching staff for helping provide space for teammates. It was his career-low in scoring average and status as a third-option that he didn’t like. He gutted through it, but a first-round finals bounce basically proved the addition of Melo as a failed experiment. .
Via ESPN:
Anthony expressed frustration with his role following the season, setting the stage for what is now an inevitable departure.
‘As far as being effective as that type of player, I don’t think I can be effective as that type of player,’ Anthony said. ‘I think I was willing to accept that challenge in that role, but I think I bring a little bit more to the game as far as being more knowledgeable and what I still can do as a basketball player.’
The final straw was when Anthony played only 26 minutes including just three in the fourth quarter of Game 6 against Utah and averaged just 11.8 points in the series, shooting just .375 from the field and .214 from 3-point range.”
Carmelo is still unwilling to accept the fact that he is not a Top 15 or even Top 25 NBA player anymore. He could be a great piece for a contending team if he can accept a new role of being a three-point specialist in the mold of Ray Allen with the Boston Celtics, but you cant teach an old dawg new tricks and Melo wants to go out on his terms; chucking and ducking his way to more money, more fame and more personal accolades.
Thunder Nation on Twitter
We appreciate everything you’ve done for the city of OKC! Best of luck Carmelo to anywhere you go
Together, George and Westbrook are a sensational tandem and will allow OKC to remain very competitive in a brutally tough Western Conference.
Once the two sides are able to work out the details on an amicable separation, rumors will fly about Melos next destination. Melo always seems to find a way to work his name back into relevance.
Will he finally join his friend LeBron, seriously pursue that elusive championship ring and play a supporting role in LA?
NBA TV on Twitter
Where will Melo play next season? NBA TV reacts to reports that Carmelo Anthony & the OKC Thunder will part ways this summer. (via ESPN) https://t.co/BmkakkRPFf
Or will he go to Houston and provide them with another veteran shooting threat with experience and savvy for the playoff stretch?
