Lebron is coming to Houston to play for free. This has all been a leaked charade to make the public think he loves LA, for his future business in LA. Props to Maverick. Props to CP3. Props to Harden. Just playing the media to perfect Lebron's image in Hollywood.
Thunder, with Paul George at 4/$137M and Jerami Grant at 3/$27M, now have 11 players under contract, at $156M+. A 14-player roster would be $161M + repeater taxes of $155M = $316M total. A Carmelo Anthony stretch and replace with min would save $91M in taxes, as things stand.
Any shot the Rockets are looking at Kawhi in a secret trade deal. Houston sends Anderson and Gordon to the Spurs for a 1 year rental in Kawhi (who opts into his 2nd year player option. Pop silently gets his revenge on the Warriors by loading up the Rockets while the Spurs retool over the next few years anyhow. That's why Ariza is gone. Who needs Lebron when you have the guy who beat Lebron in the Finals
I wouldn't be surprised to see OKC waive or buy Melo out; clearing the way for Houston to sign him on the cheap. Melo and Mbah a Moute would be a nice combo at the 4 spot.
I think it is every likely at this point, Melo is stretched. There is no way OKC is going to pay that much in tax for one year of Melo.