Could Carmelo to the Warriors Happen?
The NBA’s offseason has slowed down in the month following the KD trade request. The Warriors have made a few decent moves in acquiring Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green, but another name has entered the mix: Carmelo Anthony. The ten time All-Star and prolific scorer spent his time last season on the Lakers alongside his longtime friend Lebron.
In L.A. he averaged around 13 points a game and was a true veteran presence whether it be off the bench or starting when need be. He aided the Lakers when their second superstar, Anthony Davis was out with an injury for a chunk of the season. But now the question for Carmelo is if he wants to resign again this year. His decision might be impacted based on if Westbrook gets traded or not and whether KD gets sent to a contender out in the Western Conference.
One NBA general manager told Heavy Sports that he expects Carmelo to resign with the Lakers per Sean Deveney.
Ultimately the decision is up to Carmelo as he has a chance to run it back in Los Angeles. But on the other hand, he can explore his options and possibly end up on a team like the Warriors. They are the defending champions after all, and what better way to round out your career than winning a championship. Carmelo is thirty-eight years old and was drafted the same year that Lebron was in 2003 so whether fans want to believe it or not, his time in the NBA is coming to an end.
Carmelo is currently ninth all time in scoring and needs about 300 more points to pass up the great Shaquille O’Neal. One of his other great achievements includes winning gold in the Olympics three times in 2008, 2012, and 2016 and a bronze medal in 2004. He played alongside Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in the 2016 Olympics and could possibly play with Curry and others in the upcoming 2024 Olympics. That would put him in his 40’s though and it is unlikely that he would still be participating after a highly successful Olympic career. Anthony is the US team’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and games played.
With that being said, the Warriors could use his veteran presence off the bench especially if they are unable to resign Andre Iguodala. And with recent reports stating that Draymond wants and deserves a maximum contract, Carmelo might be one of the better options out there. What Carmelo lacks in defense, he makes up for on offense and bringing him to the Warriors could be the right move at a low price.
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