![Carmelo Anthony finally finds a new home with the Oklahoma City Thunder. [Image Credit: Keith Allison/Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/9/24/660x290/b_502x220x82/carmelo-anthony-finally-finds-a-new-home-with-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-photo-by-keith-allison-via-flickr_1590229.jpg "Carmelo Anthony finally finds a new home with the Oklahoma City Thunder. [Image Credit: Keith Allison/Flickr]")
Carmelo Anthony finally got his wish of getting traded. According to multiple reports, the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to a deal, which would send the 33-year-old to OKC in exchange for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 second-round pick.
The reported deal comes days after Anthony had agreed to waive his no-trade clause. As previously reported, the all-star forward had reportedly agreed to waive the stipulation for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Thunder. Previously, the high-scoring forward was only amenable to waiving the clause if he would be sent to the Houston Rockets.
With no positive development and the 2017-18 NBA season fast approaching, Anthony widened the options a bit with the move. The Portland Trail Blazers also expressed interest though Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum needed to convince Melo to waive the stipulation.
OKC gets own "Big Three"
With the addition of Anthony, the Thunder now get their own “Big Three”. He joins Russell Westbrook and Paul George, a move which critics believe will make Oklahoma City a serious threat in the Western Conference.
Even before the Anthony trade came up, the Thunder were already considered one of the favorites out West. The defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors and retooled Houston Rockets are the other favorites in what should be an interesting 2017-18 NBA season.
Seeing how Melo and PG13 play similar positions (small forward), head coach Billy Donovan may be forced to make adjustments. Either Anthony or George could move up to the power forward position, adding more scoring options for the Thunder.
While the offensive side seems to be promising, it may also become a problem on the defensive end.
With most power forwards expected to bully their way inside, Melo or PG13 could be too lean to deal with them one-on-one. Donovan may have to do some adjustments, calling on help defense to address this concern.
Anthony deal may eventually be top dog
According to Spotrac, Carmelo Anthony’s contract runs until 2019 with the no-trade clause retained after the trade.
This means that anything that transpires from here will need the blessing of the all-star forward.
The case is different with Paul George. PG13’s contract is also good until 2019 though he can exercise the player option included. With lucrative opportunities available, the belief is that he will opt out and seek a bigger deal in the open market, Bleacher Report reported.
The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be suitors for George in 2018. The real score on this is likely to pop up once George does opt out. Under that scenario, Anthony could eventually end up being the star small forward and tandem with Westbrook.
Right now, it is a wait-and-see scenario for the Thunder. With three players wanting the ball in their hands, it will be interesting how Donovan will come up with equal touches for the three all-star players.
Westbrook proved he could do it alone and now he has above-average help. Chemistry will be an issue for the Thunder, something that could make or break the Thunder’s 2017-18 NBA season.
