Now that the NBA off-season is officially underway, the rumors and speculation has begun regarding the immediate future of superstar Carmelo Anthony.
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Anthony told the New York Knicks that he intends to opt out of his contract with the team and will test free agency this summer. Many teams have already expressed interest in signing Anthony including the Dallas Mavericks.
Although it seems like a long shot the Mavs lure Anthony away from New York or any of the other attractive destinations, Dirk Nowitzki hopes he chooses Dallas, according to Ian Begley of ESPN New York:
Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki has made a public pitch to recruit Carmelo Anthony to Dallas.
“If Carmelo would really love to come here, we’d love to have him,” Nowitzki said in an interview on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.
Ever since the Mavs won the NBA title back in 2011, owner Mark Cuban has been doing his best to bring in another star to play alongside Nowitzki. Dallas was able to sign Vince Carter, Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis, but the team has still struggled to compete in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Heading into free agency, Cuban will try to partner Nowitzki, who is willing to take a pay cut this summer, with another star. Anthony would be the ideal addition for the Mavs considering the options. Even though Dallas wouldn’t be a great defensive team, the Mavs’ offense may make them a contender in the West next season.
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Other teams mentioned as potential teams in play to land Anthony in free agency are the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. The Bulls might be the most likely destination for Anthony, but it remains unclear where the star forward might be leaning or if he truly intends to leave New York.
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