The Thunder and their stretched checkbook may be primed for some relief, as the team is is works to trade aging star Carmelo Anthony, ESPN reported Friday.
Anthony recently opted into his $27.9 million contract for the 2018-19 season, much to the chagrin of Thunder fans (and likely the front office). Couple the financial strain Anthony puts on the team, along with his displeasure of his smaller-than-anticipated role in OKC and you get two sides looking to move on from one another.
According to ESPN sources, Anthony’s agent and Thunder GM Sam Presti will “work together on Anthony's exit through trade, the NBA's stretch provision, or a combined buyout and stretch.”
If the team uses the stretch provision on Anthony’s contract, it can eliminate $107 million in payroll and tax bills. However, the team reportedly will look first to trade Anthony, who can veto any proposed deal. Anthony has been connected to the Lakers as another addition for LeBron James' new squad in LA.
In his only season with OKC, Anthony, 34, averaged 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
