OKC Thunder best chance to shed Carmelo Anthony is Warriors repeating

Given the limitations of Carmelo Anthony’s contract the best opportunity to shed him from the roster lies in Warriors repeating as Champions.

Although the OKC Thunder finished their season 12 days ago the playoffs raged on. Entering the day the updated playoff picture finds the top two west squads aligned to meet in the Conference Finals. This series between the Rockets and Warriors should be of interest to OKC Thunder fans for multiple reasons. But, the main reason lies in the doors it could open to shed Carmelo Anthony from the roster.

Why Conference Finals Is Relevant to OKC Thunder:

With the combatants set. the next query you might ask is why should I care who plays in the Conference Finals. To this, there is a multitude of reasons. However, one very good reason stands out — Carmelo Anthony!

Prior to coming to OKC, Anthony had an extremely short list of teams he was willing to waive his no-trade clause for. At one time it included the Rockets and Cavaliers and eventually was reduced only to Houston. As fate would have it both Anthony and the Knicks were desperate to begin the season without his services. Enter the OKC Thunder and suddenly the deal was done.

Although Anthony didn’t bring the prowess many hoped for it’s the prospect of him opting in this summer which is occupying current thoughts. In the event, George doesn’t resign the issue becomes magnified. Especially considering the price tag if he opts is a hefty $27.9 million.

Worse, his current contract maintains the no-trade clause. The price tag already limits suitors regardless of Anthony’s revised shortlist. There simply aren’t teams who’ll be lining up to trade for an aging player with major defensive issues and who refuses to come off the bench.

The exception may be the Houston Rockets. This is precisely why OKC Thunder fans should be extremely interested in this series.

Why hope for a rout of the Rockets:

It’s feasible the Rockets could give the Warriors their toughest test. Some even feel Houston can win. To those individuals, I suggest reviewing what the Cavaliers just did in the East. To wit, LeBron James and his Cavaliers easily dispensed of the best regular-season Eastern squad (Raptors) in a sweep. Sure does feel like Warriors-Cavaliers Part IV is destined. Sort of makes you wonder why any of us bothered considering others at season start, but that’s an article for another day.

The reason Thunder fans should hope the Warriors sail through the Conference Finals is to reopen the Melo to Houston narrative. First of all, hope for the series to be won quickly by Golden State and to occur because Houston’s offense gets stopped. That will get Daryl Morey wanting to tinker with his roster and sign another star.

And the Cavaliers:

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Adding hope to this equation would be if the Warriors defeat the Cavaliers. Doing so may guarantee LeBron James’decision to bolt Cleveland this offseason. Although many pundits think LeBron will head west to the Lakers. It seems more logical James would remain in the east.

James has owned his Conference for almost a decade. So, moving to a team like the Sixers seems more likely given James’ penchant for aligning with other All-Stars.

Despite the Sixers seemingly being invested in landing James at all costs, I’ll reiterate the fit simply doesn’t make sense stylistically.

And, more concerningly present locker room questions as the two youthful stars (Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons) would be relegated to the back of the line. Because, although James is 33, he’s still the best player in the NBA. If he wasn’t about to hand the keys to an older proven Kyrie Irving, he certainly won’t hand the keys to JoJo and Ben.

Still, if the King were to move west, the Rockets are the most likely destination. If these situations occur suddenly Daryl Morey may be more open to luring Carmelo Anthony to Houston. Banana Boat buddy Chris Paul can be tasked with helping recruit. Furthemore, it’s long been a dream of LeBron’s to unite his favorite foursome (CP3, Melo, Wade, and himself).

Should James leave the Cavaliers for the Sixers there is still a chance James might lure Anthony to Philly. The Sixers are also a team that’ll have flexibility given contracts that will come off the books this summer. Amir Johnson, Trevor Booker, and JJ Redick are all free agents. These three represent over $43M of contracts.

While the 76ers have the cap room to sign James adding Anthony would require some creative math unless of course, his buddy could talk him into a deal. Or, if he opted in via a sign and trade Philly could offer a sweet deal of youngsters and picks. For example, imagine a package including TJ McConnell who could run the bench plus the scrappy all-round services of Robert Covington.

Embrace the Warriors rolling to Title 3:

So, an oust of the Rockets and Cavaliers by the Warriors could offer the best potential for Anthony to leave OKC.

Although Melo opting in and a sign and trade would reap the greatest benefits, the goal here is just to get that contract off the books. Therefore even if it means Anthony opts out with nothing coming back in return, it’s still a win for OKC who could utilize those saved funds to help with re-signing Paul George, Jerami Grant, and/or other free agents.

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It may seem odd to suggest cheering for your mortal enemy, but in this one scenario, it could offer the best outcome for the Thunder’s immediate future.