The Oklahoma City Thunder would "very much like to find a way to rid" of soon-to-be 34-year old forward Carmelo Anthony, according to a report by Sporting News' Sean Deveney. Melo can exercise an option in his contract to remain with the Thunder for the 2018-19 NBA season and if he does the team will reportedly explore trade options.
In his first season with the Thunder, Anthony had the worst statistical season of his 15-year NBA career, averaging 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 40.4% from the field in 78 appearances. He's due to make $27.9 million next seasons if he opts to stay with the Thunder, which is much more than he'll see on the free agent market.
However, Carmelo recently told reporters that he has no interest in seeing a diminished role with the Thunder. "Yeah, I'm not sacrificing no bench role," Anthony told reporters Saturday. "That's out of the question." The Thunder finished the regular season 48-34, which was good enough for fourth place in the wildly competitive Western Conference, but they were bounced in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs by the Utah Jazz in six games.
In addition to the Carmelo Anthony situation, it has also been reported that Paul George will leave OKC as a free agent this Summer, possibly to play for his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.
