Carmelo: Westbrook, Paul George Key in OKC Decision

Hours after he was officially traded to the Thunder, Carmelo Anthony took part in the team’s media day and said the opportunity to play with Russell Westbrook and Paul George was a significant reason he elected to waive his no-trade clause.

“Russ don’t really do the convincing,” Anthony said Monday, with a laugh. “He came to New York and played pickup at my gym. I saw him in Paris at fashion week. Me and Russ became closer and closer over the years. He was a big part, he was a big reason why I wanted to come here. To see his loyalty to the city, to this organization, what he was able to do on the court — I wanted to be a part of that. “Adding PG was just another reason why I wanted to come here,” Anthony continued.

Source: Royce Young of ESPN