Unlike the NBA, the MLB does not have a salary cap. That is one of the reasons why Shohei Ohtani was able to sign a 10-year deal worth 700 million dollars. While the contract has garnered mixed reactions from the sports world, the New York Knicks legend, Carmelo Anthony, believes that Ohtani deserves this for what he is bringing to the table.

Although 97% of Ohtani’s salary will be in deferred payments after the contract is up, the world of sports has been buzzing regarding the magnitude of the deal. But Carmelo Anthony has an explanation as to why it is worth it to sign Ohtani to this deal.

Carmelo Anthony is happy for Shohei Ohtani

In a recent episode of the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero talked about the recent contract Shohei Ohtani signed. While a number like this is absurd at first glance, it would be much more shocking to know that Ohtani will only be paid 2 million dollars every year for the duration of his contract, and starting from 2034, he will receive 68 million as annual installments.

According to Carmelo Anthony, this contract makes sense for the LA Dodgers. This is because most of the team’s revenue is from TV deals. So as they have signed Ohtani, they will make their money’s worth as more people want to see him. So, the team can make way more than what they are spending for Ohtani by the time his contract is done.

Carmelo further said, “He’s worth it. You getting the top two superstars in MLB at one time. You getting the top pitcher and the top hitter. I ain’t mad at it.” Anthony believes that Ohtani is a player who is capable of living up to the contract that he has signed.

Since most of his contract is deferred, the Dodgers can use the money that they have to bring in more capable players alongside Ohtani to compete for a championship. Although this can seem like ‘cheating the system’ as some fans called it, there is nothing wrong with using the rules to your advantage.

The contract received mixed reactions from the sports world

Stephen A. Smith believes that the Dodgers made a mistake by signing Ohtani to such a massive deal, as Smith feels like Ohtani is not a star attraction. But this does not seem to be the case as Ohtani has already broken the record for most jersey sales in LA. At the same time, baseball legend Alex Rodriguez believes that the deal is good for the Dodgers but bad for baseball as a whole. While the Dodgers got the star player, the deal just further shows the difference in capabilities between a big and small market team.

Watch This Story: Amidst Splurging Discussion Concerning the Head-Turning Contract of Shohei Ohtani, Renowned Sports Analyst Predicted Salary for Upcoming Year

While Kevin Garnett was upset that a foreigner was getting such a massive deal, it looks like Garnett has already forgotten that NBA players like Damian Lillard and Jaylen Brown will be making over $60 million a year as soon as 2026.

Read More: Ex-Suns Star Slams ‘Unfair’ Nikola Jokic Ejection With Draymond Green Parallel as Uncertain Punishment Awaits

What do you think of the contract signed by Shohei Ohtani? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!