Word broke on Saturday afternoon that it is the Oklahoma City Thunder, not the Houston Rockets or Cleveland Cavaliers, had the inside track to acquire Anthony and things moved from there.
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First, it was reported as "serious talks" between the two teams.
New York is in serious talks on a Carmelo Anthony trade to Oklahoma City, league sources tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 23, 2017
Then, specifics came together.
Sources: OKC is in advanced talks on a deal that includes Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a future draft pick for Carmelo Anthony.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 23, 2017
In trade as finalized, OKC sending Chicago's 2018 second-round draft pick to the Knicks, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 23, 2017
Then, there was that pesky issue of a no-trade clause for Anthony.
Sources: Carmelo Anthony is expected to waive his no-trade clause for trade to Oklahoma City, with trade call likely coming Monday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 23, 2017
Finally, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN broke the news that the deal is reportedly done.
New York has agreed to a deal to send Carmelo Anthony to OKC for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a draft pick, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 23, 2017
Deal is complete, trade call Monday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 23, 2017
This is not, by any stretch, an overwhelming return for the Knicks, but Anthony holds quite a bit of leverage given the presence of a no-trade clause. Still, it appears he will be willing to do so in order to land in Oklahoma City alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
With Anthony on board, the Thunder become a terrifying offensive team with three big-time scorers and, on the defensive end, Oklahoma City was already geared up to be quite good. This likely isn't enough to unseat the Warriors at the top of the West but, if this deal happens, the Thunder will be a lot of fun to watch.
