The Oklahoma City Thunder’s big three lasted a total of one season. Fresh off a disappointing 2017-18 campaign that saw the team lose in the first round of the playoffs, there’s going to be one major change take place this summer.
That doesn’t include a player in Paul George who re-signed with Oklahoma City last week. Instead, future Hall of Fame forward Carmelo Anthony will not be back with the team next season.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski and Royce Young of ESPN, the two sides have agreed to part ways.
ESPN Sources with @royceyoung: Oklahoma City, Carmelo Anthony will part ways this summer, likely saving team over $100M. Thunder working with 'Melo's reps on exits that include trade, stretch provision. Story: https://t.co/mJbxINv2Cd
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2018
Set to count $27.9 million against the cap next season, it’s highly unlikely that any team will trade for Anthony. This means a buyout from the Thunder is seemingly in the cards.
Anthony, 34, averaged a career-low 16.2 points to go with 5.8 rebounds while shooting at a 40 percent clip from the field last season.
Should he hit the free agent market, they’ll be interest in his services from contenting teams, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers included.