Big 4? Stacked Heat Reportedly Planning Run At Carmelo Anthony
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Carmelo Anthony just wants to win. And a chance to team up with the Miami Heat's Big Three could be too good to pass up.
The Heat are looking at ways to free up enough cap space to compete for Anthony's services this summer, according to ESPN. For starters, superstars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh would have to tear up their current contracts and re-sign at a reduced rate.
"Sources say the Heat's plan is to sell the players they wish to keep on the long-term benefits of making such a sacrifice," ESPN reported.
Anthony plans to opt out of his contract with the New York Knicks, though team president Phil Jackson has suggested the forward could delay free agency until 2015. Anthony has until June 23 to let the Knicks know his decision, ESPN reported.
James, Wade and Bosh can also opt out after the NBA Finals. Miami is gunning for its third straight title in four consecutive finals appearances.
Anthony has said he'd prefer to stay in New York. But then there's that whole winning-my-first-ring thing.
"I want to come back. I also want to win," Anthony said after missing the playoffs for the first time in his career. "Me wanting to be here, if we can put ourselves in position to at least compete at a high level over the course of whatever, five years, the contract would be, then I'm willing to stay here."
Head coach Derek Fisher, who was officially hired and introduced this week, said the Knicks will "do everything we can to keep" Anthony. It's been said that Fisher could help lure ex-teammate Kevin Durant to New York in 2016.
But it's possible an NBA MVP could land here sooner. Jackson has told Anthony the Knicks could "make their own run at James" after the 2014-15 season. That is, if LeBron hits free agency.
And Melo would also have to accept a rebuilding process that would likely take at least one season, if not more.
"We're planning on meeting with Carmelo (again) in the near future," Jackson said Tuesday.
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