Chicago Bulls are looking at every option possible to make room for Carmelo Anthony in free agency. The team believes they are the frontrunners to land the free-agent-to-be, but cannot afford to out-right sign him to a deal of his liking. Several options have been tossed around by Chicago in order to create extra cap space and a sign-and-trade could be the best choice for the guard.
According to Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders.com, Chicago is looking towards a sign-and-trade deal with the New York Knicks in order to get Anthony. Pincus writes that a package involving Carlos Boozer, Mike Dunleavy and two 2014 first-round draft picks is the offer for the New York Knicks. This is a large investment for the guard. Many have said Chicago is debating the idea of selling the farm for one max-contract player or getting several smaller options. This deal indicates they are ready to give it all for Anthony.
Anthony is eligible for a contract worth five-years and $129 million. The Bulls can only offer him four years and $30 million less in cash. However, the Bulls offer the chance to win sooner rather than later. With Derrick Rose returning healthy, Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah and players like Taj Gibson, Anthony would be joining a roster built to contend rather than one that does not have a first-round draft for the next few years.
New York has no draft picks this year. They are strapped for cash thanks to contracts for Amar'e Stoudemire, Andrea Bargnani and Tyson Chandler. They may be able to afford Anthony, but that is the only move they can make. That is not a roster that screams championship. If Anthony were to accept a pay cut like Phil Jackson hopes then the Knicks have some options, but the chances of that are slim.
The sign-and-trade makes sense. The Bulls get rid of Boozer, a player they were already on planning to amnesty this offseason. Dunleavy is one of the only players eligible to be traded. His contract ends before 2015 and he is only owed $3.3 million. With the Bulls stressing win now and not later, the draft picks are not a huge loss for the team considering the depth they still have.
The Knicks have to determine if they risk attempting to invest in Anthony or not. Of course the guard is worth it, but they will be severely limited in terms of future moves if that current roster stays in place. Anthony has the power in this move. He controls his own destiny and right now the Knicks are at risk of losing their best player for nothing in return. New York will need to use any and all leverage they have.
