Carmelo Anthony was fairly adamant that he would not accept a role off the bench in his exit interview at season's end. Player and organization had a tough decision to make about his future with the organization. Management and the coaching staff reserved the right to limit his minutes, but Melo wasn't going see his role diminished without a fight. The veteran big voiced his frustrations several times before coming to the reasonable conclusion that his $27.9 max deal was the best bang for his buck here or anywhere on the open market.
His multi-year deal carried a self-determined exit clause, which would effectively wipe the slate clean and make him an unrestricted free agent. In the scenario described, Carmelo Anthony would lose every penny attributed to his projected salary. The 10-time All-Star averaged career low numbers last season as secondary or third scoring option, for the very first time since his rookie campaign.
Even with Allen Iverson added to the Nuggets roster in 2006, the offense still seemed to pass through Melo's hands. Management expressed an interest in reducing Melo's role on the team, but that could all change if Paul George signs elsewhere come July. Many questions remain unanswered by the Thunder's plans going forward, despite Melo's decision to stay.
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