3 reasons the OKC Thunder should consider bringing Carmelo Anthony back

On the eve of the 2017/18 NBA season, Carmelo Anthony completed a stunning move to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 10-time All-Star arrived from the New York Knicks in exchange for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a second round pick, and Anthony's arrival immediately signalled the beginning of the 'OK3' era.

However, despite the high expectations upon his arrival, Anthony's time in Oklahoma City was widely viewed as a huge disappointment, and in a cost-cutting move, the veteran was traded away after just 12 months. Nevertheless, Melo will once again be on the lookout for a new team next season, and here are three reasons why the Thunder should at least consider bringing him back.

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#3 Bench Role

Carmelo Anthony refused to come off the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder

Just weeks into his spell with the Thunder, Anthony was asked by a reporter if he would be willing to come off the bench. Melo responded by laughing at the question while asserting that he would be starting for the Thunder.

Nevertheless, as the season progressed, calls continued for the veteran to lead the Thunder from the bench, although Melo continued to start. Eventually, during the Thunder's first-round series loss to the Utah Jazz, Melo's minutes were drastically reduced, yet the veteran remained defiant, reaffirming that the bench was not an option:

'Yeah, I'm not sacrificing no bench role, So, that's out of the question. I think everybody knows that I've sacrificed kind of damn near everything. Family, moving here by myself, sacrificed my game for the sake of the team, and was willing to sacrifice anything and everything in order for this situation to work out.

Anthony was soon traded away and to the surprise to everyone, he finally agreed to appear from the Houston Rockets bench. This change in mentality has resulted in Anthony becoming a much more appealing prospect, and there is no doubting that the 34-year-old could make a much bigger impact from the Thunder bench than he did during his season of starting for the team.

#2 Strong relationship with Russ and PG13

Melo and Russell Westbrook during the 17/18 season

While the 'OK3' era didn't work out well on the court, the three players were known to have a close bond in the locker room. Both Paul George and Russell Westbrook continued to defend Anthony amidst constant criticism during his lone season with the team, and PG13 also expressed his disappointment when Melo exited the team:

This year could have been our year. We were just trying to figure out things, trying to learn things on the fly last year. It was a learning experience for everybody. It could have very well been a different team coming in this year.

Over the first few months of the year, LeBron James continually urged the Lakers to sign Melo, and it is not impossible that George and Westbrook will try the same tactic with Sam Presti this summer. Ultimately, George and Westbrook wield a lot of power within the Thunder organization, and they could yet offer Anthony's career a lifeline.

#1 No longer a big earner

Melo could lead from the OKC bench

Criticism targeted towards Anthony last season was unfairly influenced by the amount of money he was earning. Melo is evidently no longer the player he was when he won the NBA scoring title back in 2013, although, during his lone season in Oklahoma City, he was among the leagues highest earners, taking home $26 million.

Melo signed his huge contract with the Knicks back in 2014, and despite a series of disappointing performances with the Thunder, it is believed that the year left to run on his contract was the motivating factor in the teams to trade him.

Evidently, Anthony's days among the NBA's highest earners are now over, and if he continues to play next season, Anthony will most likely sign a one-year veteran's deal. OKC's current luxury tax constraints mean that recruitment options will be limited this offseason, and the team will struggle to find a player that offers better value than Anthony.