LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – According to a report by ESPN.com, Carmelo Anthony might be leaning towards the Windy City as his deadline approaches.
League sources tell ESPN that Anthony has talked to at least one high-profile person who lives in Chicago about what it’s like to be famous in the city Michael Jordan once called home. The deadline to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract is quickly approaching so Anthony is doing his homework on teams that might be interested in his services.
The Bulls are one of several teams that Anthony is considering, including the Rockets and Heat. That said, Pat Riley said in his Thursday press conference that Miami signing Anthony this summer is “a pipe dream.” Houston could get aggressive in its pursuit in Anthony, much like the team did when acquiring James Harden and Dwight Howard the past two years.
But according to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has reached out to some of Anthony’s former coaches to inquire about the seven-time All-Star so Chicago appears serious. Center Joakim Noah also spoke with Anthony about what it was like to play under Thibodeau when the two were together during All Star weekend last March.
Anthony has to inform the Knicks by Monday if he intends to opt out of the final year of his contract to test free agency. The Bulls remain the favorites to land Carmelo at 3/2 odds according to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, while the Rockets are 7/4 and the Lakers are 3/1. The Knicks are 4/1 to re-sign Anthony.
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