The Oklahoma City Thunder have gotten out of his biggest contractual burden, now officially shipping Carmelo Anthony to the Atlanta Hawks after a three-team trade with the Philadelphia 76ers has become official.
General manager Sam Presti thanked Anthony for his short stint with the team, while praising his professionalism and upfront attitude with the front office throughout the process.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Carmelo Anthony and acknowledge his professionalism and contributions during his time with the Thunder,” said Sam Presti, according to ESPN's Royce Young. “Although his tenure was only one year, the fact that Melo is a part of our history is important to us.”
“We appreciate Carmelo and his agent Leon Rose for their collaboration and communication as we worked to resolve the situation in a fashion that was suitable to everyone. We wish Melo and his family nothing but the best in the future.”
Meanwhile, the Thunder got themselves a sweet reward for their patience in young point guard Dennis Schroder, who could be a much-needed scoring punch off the bench after saying goodbye to the Hawks.
“Dennis provides us with another proven playmaker and someone that will only enhance the overall speed of our team.”
Schroder averaged 19.4 points per game as a starter last season, but saw himself ousted from the organization after repeated disagreements, and ultimately, the selection of Oklahoma product Trae Young in the NBA Draft — giving a clear signal that his time was up in Atlanta.
The Thunder will now replace a player who refused to come off the bench with one willing to prove himself in a new place, putting his legal battles and renegade reputation behind him.
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