Early reports indicated that Carmelo Anthony expanded his list of teams he would waive his "No-Trade Clause" and they weren't lying. The sources told ESPN that he expanded his list of teams to include the Cavs and Thunder. This was a massive development in the Carmelo Anthony New York Knicks saga. After this news broke, things progressed quickly and finally, the "Thunder struck" a deal with the Knicks. At the 11 o'clock mountain time, Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What the Knicks received: Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a 2018 second round pick
This trade certainly isn't the worst thing the Knicks have ever done, but that is certainly not a high bar to jump over considering they gave Tim Hardaway 72 million. Enes Kanter isn't a bad player, but his contract isn't very good. He has two years left with 38 million dollars in the book. To add on, the Knicks currently have four centers on their roster. Enes Kanter, Willy Hernangomez, Kyle O'Quinn, Joakim Noah and if you count Porzingis as a five, then they have five players who should be playing the center spot. Doug McDermott was another part of this trade, and he was the single worse defender per "defensive plus-minus." And hasn't shown nearly any promise since coming out of college. A second-round pick is just a throw in at this point.
Some positives coming out of this trade is that is was far better than any other offer they got from Houston and potentially from the Cavs. And Enes Kanter isn't a horrible player. He's good. The biggest flaw in his game is the defense which he is atrocious at. Just attack him in the pick and roll, and he'll have to come out.
Overall Grade: C-
What the Thunder received: Carmelo Anthony
I'm going to come up front with you guys, I don't really like Carmelo from a basketball perspective, especially when he was playing for the Knicks. He was a high usage low-efficiency player who stole possessions from his teammates. But this move to the Thunder will work. If the Thunder start Westbrook, Roberson, George, Anthony, and Adams, that is a versatile lineup who can do multiple things. And I like Melo playing the power forward position, he can space the floor for Westbrook and Paul George to drive the lane.
The other biggest reason I like this trade for the Thunder is that Carmelo will get fewer touches and hopefully will make him a much more efficient offensive player than previously with the Knicks. Let's also not forget it's a two-year contract with an early termination option after this season, so if it doesn;t work out, he can be shown the door. With this move, this solidifies the Thunder in the top three in the west and in my opinion, the best team to somewhat compete with the Warriors with the ability to have switchable players 1-4 and a rim protector at the five. The Thunder went all in, and if it doesn't work, not a lot of harm will be done.
Overall Grade: A
