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Carmelo Anthony watch: OKC Thunder must seize moment to facilitate trade with Bulls

By Lawrence George

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 13: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the OKC Thunder watches on before their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 13, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 13: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the OKC Thunder watches on before their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 13, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Carmelo Anthony trade possibility
The Chicago Bulls’ Bobby Portis near the bench during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. The Nuggets won, 135-102. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images) /

Details of the trade:

Asik is owed approximately $23.1 million over the next two seasons with $3 million of his final year guaranteed. Felicio’s deal is harder to swallow as he’s guaranteed $24 million over the next three years.

With Chicago preparing an offer sheet for restricted free agent Jabari Parker, Portis becomes the odd man out. Power Forward Lauri Markkanen emerged as the face of the franchise last year and plays the same position. If rumors render true, Parker’s arrival displaces Portis from the rotation. The 23-year-old is due $2.5 million this season and becomes a restricted free agent in 2019.

Why Chicago does it

Firstly, Oklahoma City offer a chance to get off a multi-year deal without hindering Chicago’s ability to chase Parker in free agency. The ability to essentially pay Asik’s or Felicio’s contracts now by absorbing Melo provides flexibility over the next two summers. Chicago will have room for at least one max contract next Summer.

Secondly, they clear a potential logjam at power forward. If Chicago are successful in the pursuit of Parker, he can slot straight into the rotation without hassle. A repeat of what happened between Portis and Niko Mirotic last Summer can be averted.

Thirdly, Chicago acquire a second-round pick.

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