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Three Carmelo Anthony trade destinations OKC Thunder should consider

By Lawrence George

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 09: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 B51/Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carmelo Anthony
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 09: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 B51/Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carmelo Anthony /
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Carmelo Anthony trade destination
Carmelo Anthony trade destination /

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans were arguably the biggest overachievers last season. After losing All Star big man DeMarcus Cousins to a torn Achilles, the Pels were expected to miss the playoffs. Instead, they swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and lost to eventual champions Golden State Warriors 4-1. There’s little doubt that Cousins is one of the most talented bigs in the league however, New Orleans’ success last year showed he may be an excess to requirements.

This puts the Pels in a tough spot.

Cousins is a max level talent, but offering a big contract for him is debatable. Historically, players who return from a torn Achilles aren’t the same.

Most recently, television personality Stephen A Smith revealed that Cousins may not play this season on ESPN’s First Take.

Melo could return to small forward in New Orleans:

If he doesn’t return, New Orleans will need to move in a different direction. A position of need is at small forward.

Anthony played the entire 2017-18 season at power forward and it didn’t work. He simply couldn’t handle the defensive load down low. The physicality on the block took Melo’s legs on offense and it resulted in him barely rising off the ground to shoot jumpers.

A trade for Carmelo Anthony gives the Pels a starting Small Forward. Solomon Hill is solid defensively but can’t hit the side of a barn from three. Darius Miller is essentially a bigger Alex Abrines who can shoot the rock but can’t defend a soul.

With Cousins off the books, New Orleans sits three million dollars underneath the salary cap. A trade of HIll for Anthony would create a trade exception which they have one year to use.

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