Carmelo Anthony.
You have heard all the reports about Chris Bosh being the pivotal man holding up a union between Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James in Miami. I have news for you. If Carmelo wanted to join Lebron James in Miami, Chris Bosh would be taking that max contract from Houston before the door hit him on the ass on his way out of Pat Riley's office.
Melo is loath to leave his Knicks in order to join Lebron on the Heat, the same way Lebron screwed his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers in order to join Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in 2010.
However, if Melo was only interested in getting a max contract and staying with the Knicks, that offer has already been made.
So why hasn't he taken it yet.
Because Melo wants it all. And when it comes to getting it all, that translates to getting the money, playing in the biggest market, and winning the NBA Championships.
And that opportunity only exists in Chicago.
The Chicago Bulls had the first presentation on the first day of free agency, and Melo and the Chicago Bulls delegation spoke for 9 hours. 9 HOURS.
Melo knows the Chicago Bulls are the best fit for him, and he can imagine, just as all of BullsNation has imagined, what his role would be with the team. That wouldn't take 9 hours to explain to Melo.
9 hours is the kind of time it takes to discuss the nuts and bolts of how Carmelo Anthony can persuade Phil Jackson to make a sign and trade deal that sends Carmelo Anthony to the Chicago Bulls, the ideal situation for Melo to compete for championships for the next 5 years.
And since Phil Jackson might not want Carlos Boozer's expiring contract, maybe another team could use the productive but overpaid power forward whose contract comes off the books after next season.
A suggested trade centering around Boozer going to the Lakers, Pau Gasol getting S&T to the Knicks, and Melo getting a near max deal in a S&T to go to the Chicago Bulls seems to be the most likely framework for a deal that would finally allow the rest of NBA Free Agency to proceed.
Melo can and will stick to his guns since the Knicks stands to lose Melo for nothing if the Lakers and Bulls get together to do the deal sending Carmelo To Chicago without New York.
BullsNation has been torn between quiet confidence and quiet disappointment but acceptance, despite seeing their team only get stronger as they await Melo's decision.
2008 First Round draft pick Nikola Mirotic has already announced buying out of his contract with Real Madrid, as well as, his plans to play in the NBA next season. Chicago currently holds his exclusive rights and is the only NBA team that can sign him.
Destiny seems to be putting together a new basketball dynasty in Chicago.
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