While much of the focus in the Carmelo Anthony trade saga has been on the Houston Rockets in recent days, sparks began to fly on Friday evening on the precipice of training camp.
First, word broke that Anthony had expanded his list of potential trade partners to include the Cleveland Cavaliers and at least one additional team. Then, Ian Begley of ESPN reported that Anthony is adding the Oklahoma City Thunder to the mix for his services.
Knicks have been informed that Oklahoma City is one of the other teams Carmelo Anthony has included on his list, team sources told ESPN
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2017
The Portland Trail Blazers have long been rumored to be interested in acquiring Anthony, but as of this point, all signs point to an unwillingness on the part of the high-scoring forward to include Portland in his thinking. As for the Thunder, it makes sense that Anthony may want to partner with the duo of Russell Westbrook and Paul George, but in the same breath, Oklahoma City isn’t necessarily the easiest trade partner for the Knicks.
Enes Kanter is set to earn nearly $18 million this season with a player option for $18.6 million in 2018-2019. While Kanter is useful given his offensive and rebounding prowess, he certainly is not a bargain on that contract, and in short, the Thunder don’t have a lot of large salary (aside from Westbrook, George and Steven Adams) to aid in facilitating a move for Anthony.
Creativity can be useful in putting together three-team trades, though, and the Thunder came out of nowhere to add George back in June. Sam Presti is fully capable of pulling a rabbit out of his hat, and if the reporting is accurate, Oklahoma City will at least be able to “pitch” Anthony on approving a deal if they are able to consummate one.
