The Oklahoma City Thunder are targeting guard Dennis Schroder and forward Mike Muscala in trade discussions that would send forward Carmelo Anthony to the Atlanta Hawks, according to a report on Wednesday.
Per Sirius XM NBA’s Mitch Lawrence, the Hawks would buy out Anthony’s contract if they acquired him, making him a free agent.
They are hoping to receive an asset as well, but getting rid of Schroder, who has three years and $46.5 million left on his contract, is Atlanta’s “No. 1 priority,” according to the report.
Anthony and the Thunder have been working together over the past two weeks on a method to part ways, which would allow Anthony to join a new team and save Oklahoma City around $100 million in salary and luxury-tax penalties.
Anthony’s contract, which has one year and $27.9 million remaining, is expected to make a trade difficult, but the team would save $107 million through a trade, compared to about $90 million if they waive him via the stretch provision, stretching his salary over the next three seasons.
Multiple reports have pegged the Houston Rockets as the favourites to sign Anthony once he inevitably hits free agency.
Schroder became the odd man in Atlanta after the team acquired point guard Jeremy Lin from the Brooklyn Nets last week, as the Hawks intend to keep Lin – who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon – and his $12.5 million expiring salary. Fifth overall pick Trae Young – whom the Hawks acquired, along with a future first-round pick, in a draft-day trade with Dallas – also is expected to see extensive minutes running the offense.
Schroder, 24, has publicly voiced his desire to be traded to a contender. He averaged a career-high 19.4 points along with 6.2 assists in 31.0 minutes per game last season, although his 3-point accuracy dipped to 29.0 percent from 34.0 percent the year before.
The five-year veteran has started 145 games over the last two seasons for the Hawks, leading the team in points and assists during that span.
Muscala, who turned 27 earlier this month, averaged career highs in points (7.6), rebounds (4.3) and minutes (20.0) last season in 53 appearances (seven starts). Through five NBA seasons, all with the Hawks, he has shot 37.8 percent from 3-point range, though he dipped to 37.1 percent last year after hitting 41.8 percent in 2016-17.
Dennis Schroder and Carmelo Anthony.
