Carmelo Anthony is expected to announce his decision on Monday about what he intends to this summer - whether or not he will opt in to the final year of his contract with the New York Knicks.
But while Anthony has yet to formally announce his decision, most executives are already convinced that the All-Star forward will test free agency this summer.
And if the Anthony decides to leave New York, ESPN reported that league sources are convinced that the Chicago Bulls are the strongest contender in the race to sign the seven-time All-Star.
According to sources, the Bulls and the Knicks might execute a sign-and-trade deal that would send Anthony to the Chicago, while several assets, possibly draft picks and young prospects will be packaged with Carlos Boozer will be sent to New York to make the deal work.
The likelihood of the sign-and-trade deal depends on the Knicks' willingness to make the trade happen.
"One scenario through which Anthony can end up with the Bulls is a sign-and-trade involving Carlos Boozer. Of course, the Knicks would have to agree to a sign-and-trade," ESPN reported. "That's one of the biggest issues facing New York right now. The Knicks have to decide whether they are willing to execute a sign-and-trade to send Anthony to another team"
CBS Sports insider Ken Berger also reported that the Bulls have a good chance of landing Anthony this summer through a sign-and-trade deal.
Berger noted, though, the Bulls will have to move several key assets such as their two first-round picks this year along with more future picks the Knicks are expected to pursue to speed up their rebuilding.
"If the Bulls feel good about their chances of landing Anthony, they could move both of their picks to create room - or dangle one in sign-and-trade talks with New York, which badly needs future assets. In addition to the 16th and 19th pick in this draft, the Bulls have Sacramento's 1-10 protected pick next year and the right to swap with Cleveland," Berger noted.
Anthony, who has yet to win an NBA title in his 11 years in the league, averaged 27.4 points to go along with 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game last season.
