Pundits are lining up to chime in on trade of Carmelo Anthony with strong opinions on his next move.
Everyone and their brother is reacting to the OKC Thunder trade of Carmelo Anthony. Initial thoughts praised Sam Presti for the move to avoid having to buy out Melo’s contract and then be cash strapped to the tune of $9.3 million over the next three season. The fact Presti was able to also add two assets only adds relevance to ‘Presto Presti the Magician of OKC’ accolades.
More from Thunder News
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Regardless of the on and off court issues Dennis Schroder endured in Atlanta from a strictly basketball sense getting a backup point guard who is adept at playmaking and scoring has to be viewed a gigantic win. Yes, Schroder arrives with a history of being difficult and that can’t be ignored.
But, Russell Westbrook isn’t a player who suffers fools and generally players saddled with reputations of being difficult have thrived in OKC. Ironically the one player who the Brodie couldn’t tame is former OKC Thunder player Reggie Jackson. I say ironically because Schroder’s skills most closely resemble what RJ offered OKC during his tenure.
Rather than diving into the ample reasons why Schroder’s addition makes sense check out TI writer Lawrence George’s 3 reasons why article.
Related: 3 reasons why OKC Thunder acquisition Dennis Schroder raises roster’s ceiling
The Adele parody:
The above video offers a compilation of all the key National media offering their two cents on why Carmelo Anthony needed to depart OKC. Moreover, the debate is on regarding Melo’s next steps.
At present it appears only two teams are in play – the Houston Rockets and the Miami Heat. The main point each centers on is whether Melo will back track from his position of being a reserve man. Based on everything Anthony told the Thunder that option is off the table. Like the pundits I’m not sure how Melo adds value unless he makes the move the bench.
In the above compilation at 8:36 of the video during the Dan Le Batard segment they feature an Adele (Hello) parody switched to “Melo”. It’s worth the watch/listen.
Despite how the relationship ended, it’s important to note Carmelo Anthony didn’t need to remove his no trade clause. Anthony could just as easily forced Sam Presti’s hand by forcing the buy-out. The result would’ve been the same for Melo. So, as the Carmelo Anthony journey in OKC ends, the team at TI wish him well and thank him for the moments he generated this past season.