The New York Knicks are still the favorites to sign Carmelo Anthony this summer, but there is already a growing belief that the All-Star forward will also strongly consider signing with the Chicago Bulls.
ESPN's Marc Stein reported that the Knicks are still tipped to keep Anthony because of their ability to offer a maximum five-year deal, while other interested teams can only dangle a four-year offer.
However, Anthony is reportedly interested in experiencing the free agency treatment Dwight Howard experienced last summer with sources saying that the Knicks and the Chicago Bulls are on top of his list.
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"The general belief around the league -- with Melo on record as saying he looks forward to the "Dwight Howard treatment" in terms of being courted in free agency -- is that his list of eventual finalists starts with New York and Chicago," ESPN reported.
The Bulls, though, will have to make roster moves this summer before making a strong push to sign Anthony. They are expected to waive Carlos Boozer via the amnesty clause, but releasing the All-Star forward will not be enough for them to offer a maximum deal.
But while the Bulls will have to find takers for the contracts of one or more players, Stein revealed that the Knicks are reportedly nervous about the Bulls' chances of stealing Anthony away from them.
"Despite the fact that the Bulls will undeniably have to be creative to manufacture sufficient cap space to offer Melo a representative starting salary, Phil Jackson's Knicks are undeniably nervous about the threat Chicago poses," Stein wrote.
Anthony, who averaged 27.4 points to go along with 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game this season, made it no secret that returning to Knicks will be his top priority.
The former Syracuse standout also said that he is willing to accept less money as long as it will put him in a good position to win his first NBA title.
The 29-year-old forward added, though, that he will also consider options, giving teams like the Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers hope of acquiring the 11-year-veteran.
