OKLAHOMA CITY — By the time the final buzzer sounded on Houston’s 10th game of the season, it wasn’t a matter of would, but when would the Rockets part ways with Carmelo Anthony. The writing was already on the wall — his days were numbered.



In the moments immediately following the Thunder’s 18-point blowout win, the ambiance of the visitors’ locker room was anything but pleasant. A number of players quickly headed for the showers, presumably eager to get as far away from Chesapeake Arena as possible.



Tucked away in one corner was a dejected, somber Anthony; fresh off an abysmal two-point performance on 1-of-11 shooting — on national TV nonetheless. For nearly 10 minutes he sat at his locker and stared at the wall, motionless. He didn’t have his phone in his hand, and didn’t utter a word to anyone. Just complete silence, him and his thoughts.



In the midst of this, Russell Westbrook, who had missed the...