Breaking down former Syracuse star Carmelo Anthony’s trade to Thunder

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Carmelo Anthony speaks with reporters. Mandatory Photo Credit: Kicia Sears, The Juice Online.
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Anthony is on his way to Oklahoma City

Over the weekend, the Knicks agreed to deal former Syracuse star Carmelo Anthony to the Thunder for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round pick.

Anthony had said throughout the offseason that he would only waive his no-trade clause to play for the Rockets. However, after the Knicks could not make a deal with the Rockets, they requested other teams from Anthony’s camp.

Anthony responded by expanding his desired teams list to include the Cavaliers and Thunder.

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dagsMatt Dagostino
Senior Columnist
NBA.TV Talent

The NBA offseason just…doesn’t…end…not anymore.

And Syracuse’s shining star, Carmelo Anthony, was at the forefront Saturday when he was traded from the New York Knicks to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony, after a tumultuous time in New York, now has his best opportunity at chasing an NBA championship next season.

And that’s the big takeaway from this trade.

Not how uncomfortable it was to watch his situation unfold in New York. Not that his stay in Oklahoma City may not be all that long.

While he can opt out after the 2017-18 season and/or Russell Westbrook and Paul George could be off to destinations unknown after next season, too, the newest formation of an NBA Big Three presents the best chance for him to get a ring. Ditto goes for George, despite having already played in two conference finals. And while this Big Three represents more stars than the dynamic duo that Westbrook formed with Kevin Durant, the fact that there is a Big Four in Golden State presents a tougher challenge than the teams Westbrook and Durant faced together.

But after making the playoffs in just three of his 6+ seasons with the Knicks, Anthony, instantly joins one of the few teams capable of competing with the Warriors this season.

Anthony’s in a good situation now, which is to say he’s longer in New York. It’s his best chance at a title. Finally, in his 15th season in the NBA, Carmelo Anthony will get his shot.

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dags
About Matt Dagostino 115 Articles
Matt currently works as an on-air talent and producer for Turner Sports in Atlanta, where he is from. Among his responsibilities are voicing over highlights for NCAA.com, NBA.com, WNBA.com, and PGA.com. He has also served as an associate producer for TNT’s coverage of the NBA Playoffs and TBS’s coverage of the MLB Postseason. Matt also has experience as a minor league baseball play-by-play announcer and as a PA announcer in D-I college athletics. Matt graduated from Syracuse University in 2005.