Carmelo Anthony hasn’t decide where he’ll play next season, but he reportedly has narrowed his choices to just two teams.
The Los Angeles Lakers now are out of the running after emerging as a top team to lure Anthony away from the New York Knicks, with the star free agent now deciding between the Knicks and Chicago Bulls, sources told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on Friday.
Recent reports signified that the 30-year-old would be re-signing with New York, but Chicago has become an increasingly intriguing landing spot for Anthony.
The seven-time NBA All-Star has expressed confidence in newly hired Knicks president Phil Jackson’s plans for the future, but he is weary about struggling through another 37-win season. Anthony was expected to announce his decision to return to the Knicks on Thursday, but when that deadline came and went, reports began coming out about his interest in taking his talents to Chicago.
Although the Knicks are willing to offer him a max contract and the Bulls don’t have the salary cap space to do so, Anthony would join an immediate championship contender in Chicago and playing alongside the likes of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.
LeBron James’ decision to return to Cleveland also might have led to Anthony rethinking his plans. The Eastern Conference now is wide open, and the Bulls could make a legitimate run at the NBA title next season.
Regardless of where Anthony ends up, though, it appears unlikely he’ll announce his decision before the weekend.
