Updated odds for where Carmelo Anthony signs
Carmelo Anthony recently opted in to the final year of his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder -- a deal that pays him $27.9 million in 2018-19.
But he's still on his way out of OKC after the Thunder participated in a three-team trade that shipped Anthony to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. Atlanta is expected buy out the final year of that deal and Anthony will hit the open market as a free agent.
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Oklahoma City is actually better off without Anthony, according to SportsLine's projections.
SportsLine data scientist Stephen Oh projects a better outcome for the Thunder next season without Anthony. OKC wins 46.1 games with Anthony on the roster, but that number bumps to 47.6 without him. His absence also moves Oklahoma City from the projected No. 5 seed to the No. 4 in the West and increases their playoff percentages from 76.9 percent to to 86.
That hasn't even factored in OKC's addition of point guard Dennis Schroder and his 19.4 points per game and 6.2 assists last season
"While he may help get a few more open looks for Westbrook and George, who both shoot better from the field with Carmelo on the court, Carmelo's defensive shortcomings, relative lack of rebounding, and own poor shooting percentage hurt the Thunder more than help," Oh said.
But what's next for the 10-time All-Star after departing OKC?
SportsLine's oddsmakers have evaluated the field of possible suitors for Anthony, a 15-year NBA vet who averaged a career-low 16.2 points per game in 2017-18, and a few teams are standing out:
Odds for where Carmelo Anthony plays in 2018-19 (via SportsLine's oddsmakers):
Houston Rockets 1-5
Miami Heat 4-1
L.A. Lakers 4-1
Washington Wizards 8-1
Toronto Raptors 12-1
Brooklyn Nets 20-1
Golden State Warriors 25-1
The Field 15-1
Pick: Melo is reportedly already telling those around him that Houston is likely the choice. Even at that price, the Rockets are the best bet.
If you're looking for a couple long shots, the Wizards are intriguing at 8-1. Anthony grew up not too far from D.C. and in the wide-open Eastern Conference, he could help Washington contend. And though it doesn't feel likely, it's also tough to rule the Warriors out of any conversation at this point.
But any other spot other than Houston would qualify as a major upset at this point.
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