As the 2014 NBA free agency draws near, Carmelo Anthony should have plenty of things running in his mind. Perhaps the biggest question that he needs to answer is whether or not he wants to remain as a Knick--and for how long.
According to one source, Melo's interest is to continue playing for New York but the perennial All-Star forward is coming to the realization that he has a greater chance of winning a title with a legitimate contender, most likely the Bulls, Rockets, Heat, or Dallas - with the Mavericks recent resurgence in the playoffs.
During his press conference with the Knicks, Phil Jackson made it public that Carmelo Anthony is a big part of the franchise's "future plans" although its not certain whether or not Melo also recognizes New York and its new president as part of his.
"His heart is in New York," one source reportedly told Yahoo Sports, "but he wants a chance to win now."
Anthony enters this summer's free agency market as an unrestricted free agent, and has the power to opt-out with New York and entertain other offers. Of all the teams interested in bringing in Melo to their roster, two have risen as top candidates: Chicago and Houston, sources with direct knowledge of his plans told Yahoo Sports.
The Chicago Bulls can clear cap space and make a qualifying offer to the Knicks star by amnestying Boozer. With Anthony in the roster, the Bulls will be able to lessen the burden of Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose as they look to make a deep run in the 2014-2015 NBA season with a healthy Rose.
The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, have long been interested with Melo reporting that they would be willing to move Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin to offer Anthony a third near-max deal alongside Dwight Howard and James Harden. Although trading Asik and Lin would not be easy, the Rockets will be able to create a Big Three of their own with Anthony, Howard, and Harden, if they can successfully lure in Melo.
Carmelo Anthony's future is still uncertain. But come free-agency time this summer, we may be seeing the super star forward in another NBA jersey.
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