Around the NBA: Carmelo Anthony, OKC to part ways, no timetable on a Porzingis return

By Connor Tustin, Sports Talk Philly Staff

With the NBA Draft only a few weeks back, the Summer League just getting underway and the beginning of free agency, basketball season is still in full swing. With big names like LeBron James moving to the Los Angeles Lakers and Paul George making the decision to stay in Oklahoma City, the beginning of the free agency signing period never disappoints. However, even after the first full week, players and organizations continue to make significant moves. 

Reports suggest that Carmelo Anthony and the Oklahoma City Thunder will "part ways"

ESPN insiders Adrian Wojnarowski and Royce Young have reported that Oklahoma City and Anthony will part ways via either a trade or buyout. If something does work out for the Thunder, the team could potentially save over $100 million. The report suggests that the financial implications of Anthony's $27.9 million contract for the upcoming season and a "mutual understanding of his scaled-back role" have influenced both sides in the decision. 

Thunder general manager, Sam Presti and Anthony's agent, Leon Rose, have had a strong relationship throughout the years, which helps to feed into the rumors. 

Anthony has spent the better part of his career with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, before being traded to the Thunder prior to last season. Anthony is a 10-time NBA All-Star in addition to his three olympic gold medals and 2003 NCAA championship with Syracuse. 

Coming as no surprise, the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat are the favorites the land Anthony as rumors begin to circulate. 

Knicks are 'prepared' to be without Kristaps Porzingis next season

After suffering a torn left ACL in February, ending his 2017-2018 season, New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis may not be ready for the 2018-2019 campaign any time soon. 

According to Ashish Mathur of Amico Hoops, the Knicks are preparing to be without star Kristaps Porzingis moving into the 2018-2019 season. In an interview with The New York Post back in April, Madison Square Garden executive chairman, James Dolan, said he was told "everything from December (on Porzingis' return) to him being out for the season." Dolan continued to say "We can't just sit on our ass while he's away. We need to develop a team and then integrate him into it when he comes back. He's a great player and we just have to build around him." 

For now, the feeling seems to be quite skeptical in the Knicks front office regarding any timetable on Porzingis' return. 

After long stint in San Antonio, Tony Parker is heading to Charlotte

Following a 17 year career as a San Antonio Spur, Tony Parker will be heading out east. According to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Parker has agreed to a two-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets. 

Wojnarowski also reported that Parker called Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich on Friday afternoon, informing him of his decision. Although San Antonio wanted to bring him back, Parker seems to be heading in a new direction late in his career. 

Throughout Parker's long career with the Spurs, he has averaged 15.8 PPG, 5.7 APG and 2.8 RPG. 

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