Carmelo Anthony claims Russell Westbrook, Paul George ‘big reason’ he wanted to join Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder were able to complete another blockbuster trade with superstars Paul George and Carmelo Anthony joining reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook.

The deal to join these three superstars making the Thunder a vastly improved team in the Western Conference and quite possibly the biggest threat to the Golden State Warriors.

During the team’s media day, Anthony revealed why he wanted to come to Oklahoma City, via ESPN’s Royce Young.

“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.

Although this superstar trio puts the Thunder in the championship conversation in the post-Kevin Durant era, it remains to be seen whether these three All-Stars can coexist in Oklahoma City. Westbrook is one of the most ball-dominant players in the league, and both George and Anthony aren’t far behind in that category.

There may simply not be enough ball to go around in Oklahoma City which could make for a hostile environment and potentially nothing more than a one-year rental for both George and Anthony. Both players can become join Westbrook in free agency if the superstar doesn’t sign the lucrative extension which is said to already be on the table with the Thunder.