The NBA offseason has been anything but dull this year. There have been blockbuster trades left and right along with star players changing teams in free agency. Although there’s been tons of movement this summer, the New York Knicks have yet to resolve their situation with superstar Carmelo Anthony.
At this point, Anthony will almost certainly be playing for another team at the start of next season. The veteran forward has reportedly been willing to waive his no-trade clause to land with the Houston Rockets, but a deal has yet to come to fruition.
While the Rockets remain the favorites to acquire Anthony, another trade suitor has emerged in the form of the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Bill Simmons:
Have a scoop – OKC and Carmelo are officially circling each other. OKC's Troy Weaver recruited Melo to Cuse + has known him since DMV days.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 24, 2017
The Thunder already made one of the most surprising moves of the offseason by trading for Paul George. No one saw that deal coming with the consensus being that George would land with the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers or the Los Angeles Lakers.
Oklahoma City has already drastically improved their chances of being a real threat in the Western Conference with George now playing alongside reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. However, the potential addition of Anthony could put them in the same conversation as the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs in terms of being in the running to contend with the Golden State Warriors.
If Anthony does end up in Oklahoma City, the Lakers could stand to lose the most by the blockbuster move. George will seriously consider signing with Los Angeles next summer, but has admitted that he won’t leave a winning situation if Oklahoma City proves to be a legitimate contender.
Anthony joining forces with Westbrook and George could prove to be what’s needed to contend with the likes of the defending NBA champions. However, superstars playing alongside one another, especially ones thrown together after years playing elsewhere, is never a guarantee for success.