The past few days have been hectic for Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Carmelo Anthony's contract is a tough load to carry. He is trying to resolve the situation as we speak, with firm hopes of finally ending Anthony's short-lived era with the Thunder.
As per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:
Sources: Sam Presti has been in meetings "all day," trying to bring some sort of resolution to the Carmelo Anthony saga. (And that should surprise no one, but it makes me wonder if the finish line is in sight.)
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 10, 2018
Anthony recently opted into his contract worth $27.9 million in the upcoming season. Anthony himself might be all smiles but his contract is one giant financial burden for the team. Couple this fact with Anthony's unwillingness to be a role player despite his considerable and noticeable decline.
Melo logged in 16.2 points per game last season — the lowest in his 15-year career. It was the first time he averaged below 20 points per game. He also shot just 40.4 percent from the field — another career-low.
Several teams have expressed interest in getting the 10-time All-Star. Some, according to various reports, include the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Thunder are looking at all possible options at this point. If they cannot get rid of Anthony via trade, the Thunder may use the stretch provision on Anthony's contract. It would eliminate a hefty $107 million off the team's 2018-19 payroll and tax bill.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski and Royce Young of ESPN, Presti knows that letting go of Anthony will be tough. But he acknowledges Melo's professionalism:
“I think he's being very candid and very honest. I respect that. I respect the fact he's being open about that,” Presti said. “Now, we have the same responsibility. We have to be candid and honest with him. One of the things I really like about Carmelo is he's a mature person. You can talk to him. He listens. He's been professional with us within the building. I'm sure there are nights he was frustrated because it's a big transition that he's trying to make — was trying to make — this season. … We don't know exactly how our team is going to look.”
Follow Us
Subscribe