The New York Knicks are still unsure whether or not Carmelo Anthony will decide to stay in the Big Apple this summer, but reports indicated that they already have a Plan B in place in case the All-Star forward bolts out.
Bulls.com writer Sam Smith revealed that there are talks about a potential trade between the Knicks and the Chicago Bulls involving All-Star center Joakim Noah in case Anthony decides to sign elsewhere.
According to Smith, the Knicks will make a strong push to acquire a superstar this summer if Anthony decides to leave in hopes of making the team attractive to LeBron James, and other superstars in the summer of 2015.
"New York is about stars," Smith wrote. "Plus, they have a shot at LeBron next summer if they hang onto 'Melo; not if they lose him. So Phil's got to get a star if he loses Anthony."
Smith added that there are rumors circulating about a trade that would send Noah to the Knicks in exchange for Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert, and Pablo Prigioni.
The Bulls are reportedly planning to use Chandler's expiring contract to make a run at signing a superstar in 2015 - possibly Kevin Love - while Shumpert could play a vital role on Tom Thibodeau's defensive unit. Prigioni will be some sort of an insurance in case the Bulls part ways with D.J. Augustin or Kirk Hinrich this summer.
"The Knicks get Noah and the Bulls get Tyson Chandler, a good expiring deal so they can go after Kevin Love next year, and Iman Shumpert, who is from Chicago and a good defender who Thibs would like and Pablo Prigioni, a good backup point if they lose Augustin and Hinrich," Smith noted.
Things are expected to change, though, when Anthony officially expresses intention to sign with the Bulls this summer. Recent reports indicated that Anthony will likely sign either with the Knicks or the Bulls.
According to reports, coach Thibodeau will be the main reason why Anthony will consider signing with the Bulls, but they will have to keep Noah if they want to convince the 29-year-old forward to make a move to Chicago this offseason.
