Three Carmelo Anthony trade destinations OKC Thunder should consider

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 /

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets were in talks to acquire Anthony from the New York Knicks last offseason. However, the Rockets were stripped of their assets when they chose to acquire All Star Chris Paul in a sign and trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. A deal centered around Ryan Anderson was offered to the Knicks in which they declined, opting to move Melo to OKC instead.

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Fast forward 12 months and both clubs are faced with two different problem.

When Paul signed with Houston, it was understood he would receive a max contract this summer. However, the Rockets did not account for the rapid rise of big man Clint Capela. The Swiss big man enters restricted free agency after averaging career highs in points (13.9), rebounds (10.8), blocks (1.9) and field goal percentage (65.2).

This probably curbed Houston’s interest in offering 33-year old Paul a max contract. The Rockets simply don’t have the money to go around. Still, the Rockets stayed true to their word delivering Paul a four year max deal of $160 million. It’s already resulted in the loss of Trevor Ariza on a one year deal to the Suns. And, Houston still need to address Capela.

The Thunder would need to absorb Anderson’s contract and either Eric Gordon or PJ Tucker. Gordon is a superb fit as a starting shooting guard, providing OKC with a legitimate sniper on the wing.