3. Carmelo Anthony
Undoubtedly the best player on this list, Carmelo Anthony has actually given the Los Angeles Lakers what they were hoping for when they signed him to a one-year deal last summer. However, because of his age and the skill set his possesses, this could be it for Carmelo.
Carmelo does have a smaller chance of retiring than the other two players on this list but if the Lakers do not bring him back then no other team may. While Carmelo is producing as a three-point shooter for LA, his defense is still a problem and he is almost unplayable in the playoffs because of that.
There are a lot of guys that can hit threes and a lot of talented three and D guys in the league. If the Lakers don’t want to bring Carmelo back after this season then I am not sure there is going to be another team that is chomping at the bit to bring him in.
It is a shame, really, as the one thing that Carmelo has not accomplished in the league is win a championship. That could push him to try and return and sign with a top-tier contender knowing that he won’t play in the playoffs just to get that ring.
However, Carmelo will be 38 heading into the 2022-23 season and there just are not many guys who play in the NBA at that age. He has made a boatload of cash and nobody can blame him if he decides that 20 years in the league is enough.