CARMELO, SCHRODER SWAPPED IN 3-TEAM, 5-PLAYER DEAL
In a three-team trade, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired point guard Dennis Schroder from the Atlanta Hawks, and swingman Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot from the Philadelphia 76ers; the Hawks acquired a protected 1st-round draft pick in 2022 and combo forward Carmelo Anthony from Oklahoma City, and combo forward Justin Anderson from Philadelphia; and the 76ers acquired power forward / center Mike Muscala from the Hawks.
What does it give the Oklahoma City Thunder
For the Thunder, getting out from under Anthony's massive contract was the prime motivator here. However, they also get younger and more athletic by adding both Schroder and Luwawu-Cabarrot to the mix. Schroder will now back up superstar Russell Westbrook, while Luwawu-Cabarrot will probably see time off the bench at both shooting guard and small forward.
What does it give the Atlanta Hawks
For Atlanta, this deal is about the future and that meant moving Schroder's contract and issues. Schroder has starter talent--and even some star potential--but off-court trouble and widespread rumors about his attitude led to the Hawks drafting Trae Young and acquiring Jeremy Lin to play point guard. Newcomer Justin Anderson is a highly athletic prospect who is still trying to find his ideal NBA role. Meanwhile Anthony, this deal's headliner, is expected to be bought out by Atlanta and become a free agent.
What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
For the Sixers, the trade alleviates a bit of a logjam on the wings. After all, the team has added Wilson Chandler, Zhaire Smith and Landry Shamet since the off-season began, and have high hopes for Furkan Korkmaz as well. So, shipping out both Luwawu-Cabarrot and Anderson for a big man in Muscala makes a lot of sense. Philly may have more moves on the way.
Fantasy impact
Anthony's value probably won't change much wherever he lands. He's at an age that probably prevents him from turning back the clock to his days of superstar production, but he should remain fairly productive as a scorer with solid (but limited) minutes. For Oklahoma City, Schroder loses a bit of fantasy value but might still be a solid fantasy draft pick as a top-tier sixth man running the Thunder's athletic second unit. Anthony's departure opens up a starting spot at power forward, with Patrick Peterson possibly stepping in with the veterans and Jerami Grant an ideal fit as his backup (running alongside the more athletic second group). Luwawu-Cabarrot has talent, but will have an uphill climb finding his way into the rotation. For Atlanta, Jeremy Lin is probably the biggest winner fantasy-wise. Assuming he's healthy again, Lin will now likely start at point guard and mentor rookie Trae Young this season. Anderson can play either forward position, and might finally carve out regular minutes for himself as a second-unit guy. For Philadelphia, Muscala has a solid chance to play fairly regularly in the Sixers' big man rotation (but he won't likely start many games). Meanwhile, moving Anderson and Luwawu-Cabarrot frees up some minutes at the wing spots for rookie Zhaire Smith, the intriguing Furkan Korkmaz, and possibly first-year shooting guard Landry Shamet.
