There are a number of big names who could become available this summer in NBA free agency. While many of those players are unlikely to leave their current teams, one who absolutely could is New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.
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Anthony has until June 23 to opt-out of his contract with the Knicks, which would make him an unrestricted free agent. According to ESPN, if that happens, a star-studded team in South Beach could be looking to add one more:
Sources told ESPN.com that Heat officials and the team’s leading players have already started to explore their options for creating sufficient financial flexibility to make an ambitious run at adding New York Knicks scoring machine Carmelo Anthony this summer in free agency.
In order for this to happen, the trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh would all have to opt-out of their contracts as well, and likely take another pay cut in order to fit a reasonable salary for Anthony on the books.
This is far from being a done deal, and it would require a lot of financial maneuvering on the part of the Heat, but Pat Riley is one of the best front-office men in the league and if anyone can pull it off, he can.
The Knicks have their own legend in the front office and, with their new coach in place, will be putting all of their efforts into convincing Anthony to stay in New York. Not to mention the number of teams with salary cap space to offer Anthony a max deal.
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The Lakers may not believe Anthony is a good fit next to Kobe Bryant, but even the possibility of putting Anthony alongside Miami’s big three is enough to make many fans around the NBA quite nervous.
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