The Oklahoma City Thunder caught headlines in the 2018 offseason when they added Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. After Kevin Durant’s departure, they suddenly were seen as title favorites led by Russell Westbrook.
But alas, the trio only lasted one season. The Thunder underperformed and were a first-round exit via the Utah Jazz. After the season, OKC wanted to shake up its roster as it tried to pursue George to sign an extension.
The biggest change involved Anthony, who struggled in his new and smaller role with the Thunder. He was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks for Dennis Schroder, where he was bought out.
In a recent podcast appearance, Anthony revealed how his divorce from the Thunder went. The future Hall-of-Famer noted he was willing to come off the bench in his second year but wasn’t given the opportunity.
“I was working with Sam (Presti), we was about to figure a deal out,” Anthony said. “… Billy Donovan called me in Paris and he was like, ‘We want to start developing Jerami Grant into the lineup, he is younger.’
“I was like, ‘Okay cool, just tell me you want me to accept that role, I am willing to work with you.’ He was like, ‘Nah, we don’t think it is going to work here anymore.'”
George — who was on the podcast — was also surprised by the move. He thought Anthony would’ve attended his free agency party for his new deal with OKC. Instead, he quickly learned the Thunder were ready to move on.
Years later, the Thunder made the right call. Grant developed into a quality starter for the Thunder and Schroder enjoyed a pair of strong seasons off the bench for OKC.
Meanwhile, Anthony struggled to stay in one spot. He spent the rest of his career as an NBA journeyman who came off the bench for playoff contenders.
