Carmelo Anthony, who, as of yesterday, was reportedly going to resign with the Knicks (according to a source close to Anthony), however as of now, Melo has not even contacted Knicks President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson.
In addition, Stephen A. Smith and Mike McGraw are both reporting that the Chicago Bulls have re-emerged as an option for Carmelo.
According to McGraw:
"Anthony has regained interest in the Bulls and Tom Thibodeau is reportedly keeping him interested. The Bulls are internally trying to figure out how to close a deal with Anthony. There have been no sign-and-trade talks with the New York Knicks, as the Bulls would need a commitment from Anthony before engaging."So as it stands right now, the certainty is that Melo is uncertain about returning to the New York Knicks, despite reportedly stating that he trusted in Phil Jackson.
Although it sounded like Carmelo was going to take the certain max deal and then figure out the winning part later, it seems that Carmelo can also see the wisdom in taking the winning now and getting the money sorted out before having to make his commitment to come to Chicago as the means to have both the money and the right situation.
The Bulls should most certainly focus their efforts in closing the deal with Carmelo Anthony, as there truly is no other destination that can show as much certainty about the winning AND the money situations as Chicago before Carmelo signs on.
For all the promises of Phil Jackson and first year coach Derek Fisher, they can only promise the max contract.
The Lakers too can only promise a shorter max deal than New York with the team coming off of a 27-55 season.
Chicago boasts a solid ownership, front office, coaching staff, and a culture of winning and work ethic. They have a former Coach of the Year and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. The team has an identity that perfectly complements Carmelo's skill set.
And the most beautiful thing is that, if Melo decided to commit to going to Chicago, New York would HAVE TO make a sign and trade deal rather than lose Melo for nothing. A sign and trade could actually speed up the Knicks rebuild so that a turn-around by next fall would not be out of the question.
AND Melo would know that the sign and trade was in place before signing with Chicago.
Sounds like a sure way to get everything Melo should be getting out of free agency.
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