The Carmelo Anthony trade rumors are in full swing right now, and here’s another for all you NBA fans. The Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly interested in the “long shot” possibility of pairing Anthony and Russell Westbrook.
It’s not surprising to hear the Thunder are intrigued at the prospect of adding a player of Anthony’s caliber to their roster. Despite the fact that Westbrook is averaging 31 points, 10-plus rebounds and 10-plus assists per game, there is no doubt Oklahoma City is a step below the best teams in the West.
With a record of 28-19, the Thunder are currently No. 6 in the Western Conference. If the season ended today, they’d be set up with a first-round playoff matchup against the high-scoring Houston Rockets, and the competition just ramps up from there with the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors comfortably at the top of the conference.
Currently, third-year player Andre Roberson is occupying the small forward spot, and Anthony would be a huge upgrade there.
The question would be, what would the Thunder have to give up in order to make a deal with the New York Knicks for Anthony’s services. Furthermore, Anthony would have to waive his no-trade clause, and the Thunder aren’t on the short list of teams the star is interested in joining, per reports.
He is, however, a terrific fit with the Thunder, which we detailed here.
Furthermore, the Knicks could be eager to move on, despite their public comments to the contrary. The Anthony saga in New York is only going to get more and more interesting in the days and weeks ahead. It sure seems like the two sides are headed for a divorce, though at this time anything is possible.
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