Knicks Trade Carmelo Anthony To Oklahoma City Thunder, Twitter Explodes

The New York Knicks traded veteran forward Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder Saturday after months of speculation and social media users posited their thoughts on the transaction.

Reports whipped across the internet Friday that Anthony trade talks reignited after the scoring champion expanded his list of desired teams he would waive his no-trade clause for. The team reportedly traded the veteran forward Saturday morning to the Thunder for center Enes Kanter, forward Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round draft pick (via the Chicago Bulls). Anthony also waived his $8.1 million trader kicker to accommodate the transaction, ESPN reported.

The move came after months of trade talks between different teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets, who couldn’t seem to get the Knicks interested in taking on forward Ryan Anderson’s bloated three-year $60 million contract. A trade call is expected Monday to confirm the deal with the league office, EPSN reported. Anthony is scheduled to arrive at Oklahoma City Monday afternoon for a physical and to ready himself for Tuesday's training camp.

Anthony will play alongside league MVP Russell Westbrook, and All-Star forward Paul George on an impressive Western Conference team, which is a far cry from the lackluster roster he escaped in New York. The trade may have pleased the 33-year-old but it sparked a myriad of feelings from fans.

Some seemed to think that the trade made sense for the Thunder.

Even NBA superstars tweeted their feelings about the trade.

Anthony’s new teammate suggested the addition of an extra scorer bolstered the team’s winning ability. Young players coupled with coach Billy Donovan positioned the Thunder to contend for an NBA title, George explained.

"This feels like a championship team," George told USA TODAY Sports Sunday. "I'm in a good place. I know Russ (Westbrook) is in a good place. Melo is motivated more than ever. You put us three together, who all have something to prove still, (and) we're going to be a special team. We have a young group, a lot of talent here, an unbelievable coach (in Billy Donovan), (and) as you see, a front office that's willing to do whatever it takes to improve the team. It just has all the makeups to be a great organization and a chance to put championships together."

George spent his first seven years on the Indiana Pacers who struggled to surround the All-Star forward with talent. After he expressed discontent, the organization traded him to the Thunder on June 30. Now, he is surrounded by two perennial scorers in Westbrook and Anthony.

I'm real excited," he said. "It just goes to show how a small market can stay aggressive in the trade place, and can really do whatever it needs to do for the players' sake to give them the best chance to win, man. It's pretty impressive that Oklahoma has now three superstars, and gave this state a legitimate chance to win a championship.

"The most beautiful thing about it is (that) this organization (lets) all their players know what's going on," George added. "There's nothing under the table. There's nothing hidden since I've been here so far. So I was aware of what was going on. I was extremely happy. I was pushing for this opportunity to play with (Anthony). I'm extremely happy. The first year I get here, we already have three superstars on the team. It just goes to show what's possible with different organizations.