The Thunder would apparently like to move on from Carmelo Anthony, according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News.

In the article, Deveney says that while attempting to re-sign Paul George is a huge priority for the Thunder, the team would also “very much like” to move on from Anthony following his recent comments saying that he would not entertain a role off of the bench.

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.

Of course, the Thunder struggled throughout the season when Anthony was on the floor. Those struggles were magnified even more with the emergence of Jerami Grant as he proved to be the better option in most cases this season.

While the team may want to move on from Anthony, they will have a difficult time trying to do so. With Anthony owed nearly $28 million in salary next season (assuming he picks up his player option), he becomes nearly impossible to trade.

In addition, the team could seek a buyout with Anthony, but how much money will he be willing to forego to help facilitate a buyout? The answer is likely a very minimal amount, or none at all.

As outlined by The Oklahoman, the Thunder could decide to use the stretch provision on the $27.9 million owed to him.

Instead of a cap hit of $27.9 million next season, the team could stretch that salary over three seasons if he’s waived after July 1 and incur just a $9.3 million cap hit over the next three years.

It appears as though the team and Anthony could be headed toward an ugly split, but it could prove to be beneficial for both sides in the long run.