Thunderous Intentions
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Evaluating if Carmelo Anthony trade is the worst deal in OKC Thunder history

By Austin Sternlicht

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 15: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to keep the ball away from Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of a NBA playoff game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 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) *** Local Caption *** Carmelo Anthony;
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 15: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to keep the ball away from Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of a NBA playoff game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 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) *** Local Caption *** Carmelo Anthony; /
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Carmelo Anthony
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carmelo Anthony /

The hood versus beard debate:

To me, there is one major difference between the Carmelo Anthony trade and the James Harden trade. Back then, and even now, its understandable to see why the Thunder traded for Melo.

The Thunder bet on Anthony, hoping that after years of misery in New York, he would be willing to accept a lesser role to play for a playoff team. While he certainly was willing to take less shots and play in a more team-oriented system, he simply wasn’t effective in his role.

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Still, it can be seen as a risk worth taking. Had the Thunder not made this trade and word gotten out it was available, Presti and his staff would be ridiculed for continuously playing it safe and not taking a chance.

The Harden trade is the exact opposite. It was a puzzling move at the time and has only continued to look worse. Sam Presti has always valued controllable contracts and had one with Harden. It was a panic move that goes against everything the Thunder believes in.

Plus, trading for Melo didn’t really have any title implications on this team. No matter what the best version of the Thunder was this past year, it wasn’t better than the Warriors or even a handful of other teams. Trading away Harden on the other hand, arguably prevented the Thunder from winning a title.

So while trading for Carmelo Anthony may end up not working out, it will still not be as bad as moving on from James Harden.

Next: NBA Draft roundup: A look back at process, event, selections

There is a chance Melo gets bought out or even traded. But as of now, we’ll just have to enjoy his subliminal messages on his instagram posts.

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