Carmelo Anthony of the Thunder has an early termination option in his contract which could make him a free agent come July 1. Anthony is due to make about $28 million if he decides to opt into the contract. At 34 years old and with his dominant play declining it will be hard to see if there’s a team willing to pay equal or more money for his services.
Marc Stein is reporting that Anthony has no intention in opting out of the deal.
Anthony has until Saturday at midnight (Eastern) to exercise the option that would make him a free agent July 1 — provided he were willing to walk away from the $27.9 million he is owed next season. But he is planning to let the deadline pass quietly and keep his current contract in effect, according to the person, who was not authorized to discuss the situation publicly.
Anthony recently expressed some frustrations in his role with the team after their first round exit to the Utah Jazz. The Thunder and Anthony could still be looking to part ways although Anthony plans to opt in to his current deal. As of now the Thunder main concern is re-signing Paul George, and Anthony could be expendable at such a high price tag.