The Carmelo Anthony in Atlanta era is over _ before it began.
As planned when the Hawks acquired Anthony as part of a three-team trade with the Thunder and 76ers, the forward was bought out and waived. The transaction was completed and the official announcement came Monday.
Anthony was due $27.9 million on his expiring contract. He gave back $2.4 million, the amount of the veteran's minimum that he can sign with another team when he becomes a free agent after clearing waivers. Anthony will clear waivers at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The Rockets are reportedly the favorite to sign the 10-time All-Star.
The Hawks acquired Anthony from the Thunder as part of the trade finalized on July 25. The Hawks also received a 2022 protected first-round draft pick from the Thunder and forward Justin Anderson from the 76ers. Also part of the trade, the Hawks traded Dennis Schroder to the Thunder and Mike Muscala to the 76ers. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was traded from the 76ers to the Thunder.
The Hawks never intended to keep Anthony. They absorbed his salary into their cap space. After several other moves made and agreed upon, the Hawks will have 15 players under guaranteed contracts and two players on two-way contracts for next season.
