According to Adrian Wojnarowski of the ESPN, Oklahoma City Thunder are planning to part ways with Carmelo Anthony during the off-season.
The Thunder currently have a historic $310 million payroll and luxury tax bill and are trying to find a way to reduce that number before the start of the season.
On the other hand, Anthony has opted in his $27.9 million contract for the 2018-19 season, which makes things more complicated for Oklahoma.
The Thunder General Manager, Sam Presti, is expected to work with longtime friend and Anthony’s agent, Leon Rose, in order for the 34-year-old power forward to leave the squad through a trade.
If Oklahoma City don’t trade the 10-time NBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist, then they will just let him go and will save up to $107 million off the team’s 2018-19 payroll and tax bill.
ESPN Sources with @royceyoung: Oklahoma City, Carmelo Anthony will part ways this summer, likely saving team over $100M. Thunder working with 'Melo's reps on exits that include trade, stretch provision. Story: https://t.co/mJbxINv2Cd
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2018