The Oklahoma City Thunder are planning to part ways with Carmelo Anthony at some point this offseason, and they seem to be letting the star forward get a head start on figuring out where he might play next season.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Thunder gave Anthony permission to meet with the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat, which he did during summer league games in Las Vegas over the weekend. Oklahoma City is exploring possible trade options for Carmelo, and he has agreed to waive his no-trade clause since he would be waived by any team that acquires his $28 million contract.
Story filed to ESPN: In advance of an inevitable – if not imminent – parting, the Oklahoma City Thunder granted Carmelo Anthony permission to meet with prospective teams, including Houston and Miami. Meetings took place in Vegas in recent days.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2018
Thunder are working on trade scenarios where Anthony, 34, would be moved as an expiring contract and be waived, becoming a free agent once his $28M clears waivers. OKC needs the Anthony’s permission to waive no-trade clause, which he has done to facilitate his exit, sources said. https://t.co/1p6hoBvTIs
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2018
The Rockets have seemed like the favorite to sign Anthony when he eventually becomes a free agent, and one star player is reportedly working hard to make sure it happens. He has also been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, which makes sense considering his close friendship with LeBron James.
Anthony, 34, may have to accept a reduced role and a team-friendly salary if he wants to join up with his buddies and contend for a championship, and it seems like he is willing to do that.
