Reports: Oklahoma City Thunder, Carmelo Anthony Will Part Ways

Friday, July 6th 2018, 12:32 pm

By: News 9

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Carmelo Anthony will part ways this summer, saving the team more than $100 million, according to a tweet from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

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

A person with knowledge of the negotiations said Friday that Anthony and the Thunder have mutually decided that he will not be on the team next season, though it remains unclear how that departure will actually happen. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because no buyout, trade or waiving has been executed.

ESPN first reported the decision by Anthony and the Thunder. The person who spoke to AP says Anthony would prefer to sign with a contender if he becomes a free agent.

Dean's Take: Inevitable & Wise Move To Punt 'Melo

Anthony is due to make $28 million this season, his last in a five-year, $125 million contract he signed with New York before getting moved to Oklahoma City. He has said he will not accept a reserve role, and by parting with him — somehow — the Thunder could save more than $90 million in luxury tax payments.

Anthony averaged 16.2 points on 40 percent shooting last season, both of those being career-lows.

— Reporting by AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds in Las Vegas.