Reports say Carmelo Anthony will soon part ways with the Oklahoma City Thunder. What are some potential landing spots if he becomes a free agent?
Carmelo Anthony is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA. Once a superstar offensive player on the wing, his slide into his post-prime has been messy and controversial. For a team with a clear need at the 4, the Oklahoma City Thunder are still planning to part ways with Anthony this summer, per ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Anthony’s time in Oklahoma City was very up and down last season. He averaged less than 20 points per game for the first time in his career (16.2), as he moved into a less featured role. Yet his other numbers stayed roughly the same, he decreased his turnovers, and his efficiency was relatively the same as his career numbers.
However, fans and NBA media alike are in seeming agreement that Carmelo Anthony was the reason for the Thunder failing to meet expectations. While Russell Westbrook had a disastrously inefficient season and the Thunder’s key free agent signing, Patrick Patterson, was unable to return to form after offseason surgery, the blame was placed on Anthony’s shoulders.
As the Thunder’s offseason has led to increased salary for each of its key free agents, the team has waded deep into the luxury tax — in fact, deeper than any team in NBA history.
Oklahoma City crosses an historic threshold as the first $300M team in salary and projected luxury tax with the Raymond Felton signing. The Thunder now have a tax bill of $150M.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 4, 2018
For a small-market team those numbers are staggering, it seemingly led to this expected breakup between Anthony and the Thunder. Although he is well-liked among his fellow teammates, he has also been adamant that he will not come off the bench — inflexibility that makes him not worth the money the team will save.
The money saved, by the way, is extraordinary.
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
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2018
With very little cap space around the league, and few players making salary anywhere near Anthony’s $27.9 million, a trade would be very unlikely. Therefore, assuming the Thunder and Anthony work out a buyout, and/or the Thunder waive and stretch his contract, Anthony will become a free agent.
Anthony could follow the footsteps of another 2003 draftee last season — Dwyane Wade, who after being bought out by the Chicago Bulls signed with Cleveland for the minimum. That would open up plenty of doors across the league. If he is looking to get paid, the options are more limited.
Anthony’s priorities will be an interesting a impactful part of his decision. Is he looking to chase that ever-elusive title? Does he want to play with his friends? If Anthony wants to be featured somewhere, his options shrink perhaps to nothing. Here are five potential landing spots for the former All-NBA wing.