Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Thunder flexibility hinges on getting rid of Carmelo Anthony

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder pushes Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 25, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder pushes Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 25, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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A rough week for the OKC Thunder is punctuated by Carmelo Anthony’s stubborn and selfish statements.

In the past week the relationship between the OKC Thunder and Carmelo Anthony has soured. After a season of consistently hearing what a professional he’s been, Anthony went out of his way to bury that in one fell exit interview swoop.

In his end of season podium interview Carmelo Anthony made it clear he will never come off the bench. Making matters worse, he stated definitively he is not a catch and shoot perimeter player and doesn’t intend to play that role next season. Alrighty then. Good luck with that Sam Presti and Billy Donovan.

In the aftermath of Anthony’s interview it’s clear the team would rather Mr. Anthony play on another team next season. The problem is he is the basketball equivalent of an anvil. This because of his contract situation and the power he wields within it. First of all, Anthony has a player option, but at just under $28M it’s almost a certainty he will opt in.

Even if Anthony still believes he’s got game, his ego isn’t so big to think another franchise would offer him anywhere near that amount of money. Worse, he has refusal rights on any trade destination. In other words the same parameters which made it difficult for the Knicks to move him apply here. Therefore, short of Anthony experiencing a moment of nirvana and opting out there are only two potential options. (In fairness there are two more, but these two of the four are the most realistic).

Detailing the two options:

One: his banana boat buddies somehow convince whichever ownership they are with to trade for him. Notably, LeBron James could exit Cleveland this summer hence the potential for several trade locations.

Two: waive him and utilize the stretch provision.

Brett Dawson and Erik Horne of NewsOK detail all four options in their article.

"In that situation, Anthony still would count against the Thunder’s team salary, but instead of a single $27.9 million hit, Oklahoma City would have about $9.3 million in salary on the books for each of the next three seasons, which would count against its cap and count toward the luxury tax.If the Thunder were to reach a buyout agreement with Anthony on some amount less than the full $27.9 million, it also could opt to stretch that settlement amount over a period of years."

The problem with the second and most likely only option is that Melo won’t be inclined to do OKC any favors. Meaning he probably won’t take a penny less than his full contract. And, he would have to agree to a ‘set-off’ for it to make any difference. More specifically, if Presti could talk Anthony into providing the set-off caveat, then the amount they stretch would be minus whatever another team would contract Melo for next season.

More from Thunderous Intentions

In hindsight, comments made by head coach Billy Donovan all season inspire the question of whether he was managing Anthony or stroking the aging star’s ego. Reflecting on Presti and Donovan exit interviews the one name consistently not included is Carmelo Anthony.

How much is George intrinsically tied to Anthony?

Part of the Anthony situation will also reflect on Paul George negotiations. It’s rumored the big three are close. The question is, are they so close that George would want him to return as a carrot to return himself? Or, could George also be on the side of recognizing the money saved by shedding Melo via a stretch buyout or waiver could allow OKC more options.

For example, the opportunity to retain Jerami Grant may be more appealing. Grant fits the athletic squad and OKC Thunder style. With growth in his offensive game Grant makes for a very tantalizing starting rotation alongside Roberson and George.

For the moment, all the balls are in Anthony’s court so to speak. But, based on the absence of Anthony’s name being mentioned much by Presti or Donovan the directive seems clear. Clearly, the OKC Thunder will move heaven and earth to part ways with the enigmatic Anthony.

Next: Anthony exit interview observations

Here’s hoping that process is easier and less costly than the initial assessment shows.

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