Carmelo Anthony is reportedly leaning towards re-signing with the New York Knicks when he becomes a free agent this season, but most league executives are still convinced that the superstar forward will sign elsewhere.
Previous reports indicated that if Anthony decides to bolt out of New York, the Los Angeles Lakers or the Chicago Bulls could be his next destination. But according to Basketball Insiders, the Miami Heat are also in the running.
According to the report, the Heat could make another free agency coup this year by acquiring Anthony. It looks impossible at this point, considering the cap space of the Heat, but basketball analyst Steve Kyler said that it could be done.
Heat superstars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh can opt out of their respective contracts this summer. And if the three superstars want to make a room for their 2003 NBA draft batchmate, they could agree to another paycut similar to what they did when they decided to play together in 2010.
"The Miami Heat have just $2.038 million in guaranteed contracts next summer. All three of Miami's major stars can opt out and create massive flexibility for Miami, not only in re-setting the luxury tax clock for the Heat to continue their run at championships, but making it possible for Miami to make a run at Anthony," Kyler noted.
Signing with the Heat would give Anthony an excellent chance of capturing his first NBA title, which is said to be his number one factor to consider when he makes his decision this summer.
Returning to Knicks won't give him a good shot at a title, considering the way the Knicks have been performing this season. Coming off a 54-win season, the Knicks are currently on pace to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2009-01 NBA season.
Heading into their matchup on Thursday night, James admitted that he feels bad for Anthony for being in the kind of situation the Knicks superstar is currently into.
"I don't worry about their franchise. I worry about Carmelo Anthony," James told Newsday. "I always want him to win and succeed. Obviously, he's been playing great basketball. I don't like seeing him lose like they've been losing, but I don't really care about the franchise."
Are we going to see a "Big Four" in Miami next season? Only time will tell.
