The Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes took a rather stunning turn over the weekend when the Knicks announced that they’d orchestrated a deal to send their former franchise cornerstone to the Thunder in exchange for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and other miscellaneous assets.
In the days prior, news had been trickling in that, at the behest of the front office, Anthony had expanded the list of destinations for which he’d be willing to forego his no-trade clause. Many still believed Houston was the most likely landing spot, but there was some suspicion that Portland might be able to sneak in under the radar.
Very few saw Oklahoma City as a viable threat, but for the second time this summer, Sam Presti managed to pull off a blockbuster deal without sacrificing much in return. As as result, the newly-formed Big 3 of Melo, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook could cause some major disruptions in the Western Conference this season, and at least one of those players involved thinks the Thunder has a chance to go all the way.
Via Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports:
“This feels like a championship team,” George told USA TODAY Sports. “I’m in a good place. I know Russ (Westbrook) is in a good place. Melo is motivated more than ever…You put us three together, who all have something to prove still, (and) we’re going to be a special team. We have a young group, a lot of talent here, an unbelievable coach (in Billy Donovan), (and) as you see, a front office that’s willing to do whatever it takes to improve the team. It just has all the makeups to be a great organization and a chance to put championships together.”
Melo might also very well prove to be the catalyst for keeping both Westbrook and George around long-term. Westbrook has yet to sign a contract extension with the mid-October deadline fast approaching, and George, who’s previously been vocal about his desire to play for his hometown Lakers, will hit free agency next summer.
But the assemblage of talent now in Oklahoma City could prove irresistible if they can demonstrate that they can be competitive against the Warriors juggernaut. A lot of disparate pieces will have to quickly coalesce in the coming season, but the Thunder’s talent level and theoretical on-court fit should make them a force to be reckoned with.
