I was a little surprised when Warriors didn’t budge on giving Steph Curry a no trade clause in his latest contract, but when you see what is happening with Melo and now you know why.
Only LeBron can command that and no one else will be safe. Here is how desperate the Thunder are to get rid of Anthony via the Sporting News.
What might be more pressing is the issue with Anthony. While the Thunder want to keep George long-term, they’d very much like to find a way to rid themselves of Anthony, who could not find a role with the team and did not inspire confidence with his unwillingness to sacrifice, highlighted by his insistence that he would not come off the bench.
As he turns 34 this spring and with his skills diminishing, it’s past time for Anthony to consider different ways he can contribute to a good team, if he is still interested in winning. There are times he seems to long for his days of jacking up shots for the Knicks on the way to another 30-win season. At least then he could point the finger elsewhere — the owner, the coach, the absentee team president — and come across as the mature one in the organization.
But Anthony’s stubbornness and selfishness have been exposed with the Thunder, who still owe him $28 million for next season, if Anthony chooses to opt in (as he surely will). It’s highly unlikely that the Thunder can find a trade for Anthony, who probably won’t be keen on a pay cut to pave the way for a buyout, either. The relationship has soured, though, and it might be best for all if a separation can be arranged.
I don’t even know if signing Paul George is enough, the Thunder might be wise to follow more of the blueprint of the Rockets than wasting a lot of money on high priced free agents like George.