Thunderous Intentions
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Carmelo Anthony waives no trade – Dollars and sense behind the process

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high five after the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high five after the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Carmelo Anthony waived his no trade clause in concert with the Thunder granting permission for Anthony’s camp to meet prospective suitors.

The much anticipated breakup between the OKC Thunder and Carmelo Anthony appears to be moving closer to resolution. Although the team at TI aren’t sure the best move is to parachute the disenchanted star so abruptly it appears both sides will get what they want. Which is to say – an accelerated amicable separation.

As per Woj, the two teams at the top of Anthony short list  are the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat. No word if the LA Lakers are also in the mix although Wojnarowski didn’t mention LeBron’s new squad.

This isn’t jaw dropping news since it was also reported Anthony’s business manager sat with Rockets management in Vegas during a Summer League game.

Trade option is extremely unlikely:

Obviously it behooves Presti to find a willing partner to work a trade with, so the Thunder can avoid having to eat Melo’s entire $27.9 million contract and get something in return. That seems less likely than not.

The reasons a trade is unlikely are numerous:

  • First of all, due to the ‘no trade clause’ Anthony still has the right to approve prospective suitors.
  • Even if OKC could convince Anthony to open up his list there simply aren’t many teams with available cap or desire.
  • And, if there were teams interested in the above, it’s likely the only way Melo would consent is if that team agreed to waive him or buy him out immediately. Thus limiting teams who would be desirous. This because those few teams in that position would want draft picks attached. Or because they can add an expiring contract(s) at any time prior to season end and still reap the reward.
  • And, most importantly, it’s simply smart business. Why would the Rockets or Heat trade for Anthony when they know he can be added at a pittance of his current contract?

I checked in with the salary guru – Keith Smith to get verification on whether I was seeing this correctly.

The ‘set-off’ caveat:

Smith confirmed it’s unlikely the teams will trade for him. Rather, Wojnaroski’s tweet probably means OKC is granting Anthony the freedom to discuss moving to one of those teams. In other words – a good will gesture from the Thunder.

The reason that fact is important is the likelihood OKC will seek to add a “set-off” caveat. Assuming Anthony agrees (which Smith says most players do) the amount of Anthony’s new contract would  be subtracted from OKC’s buyout total.

This wouldn’t occur until season end. However, it would factor into the overall amount of luxury tax OKC will pay. Notably, final calculations for the cap is determined at season end. So, teams can make moves right up to that point to adjust their bottom line.

Waive and stretch option most probable:

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The only things truly left to decide is what method the Thunder utilize and which team Anthony will join. As for the former it’s anticipated OKC will use the waive and stretch method which would mean the franchise would spread the hit of Anthony’s salary over three years to the tune of $9.3 (as per Woj), although that would not include subtraction via the set-off caveat.

In terms of the latter, it seems most likely Anthony would be most desirous of joining the Rockets which was the team he coveted prior to joining OKC. Seemingly all the bad blood accrued between Anthony and former Knick’s coach Mike D’Antoni is water under the bridge.

Ultimately, the Thunder will be looking at saving over $107 million via this venture. For a team who appeared to be on the precipice of becoming the first $300 million NBA squad this is the greatest motivator in moving on from Melo.

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