Melo's Free Agency Frenzy
The NBA is always in a state of constant flux. The players, especially the All-Stars, use their talent, abilities, and influences to dictate how the league is shaped. During the summer months, front offices are on their p’s and q’s hoping to attract top notch free agents to join their team. This is the case with Carmelo Kyam Anthony. The 7 time All-Star will potentially land on his third NBA team in 11 years. Anthony, who averaged 27 points a game last season, opted out of his contract and will be unrestricted free agent starting July 1st, allowing him to choose his next destination. His draft class mates, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade, are also in the market for a new team, making this one of the most chaotic free agency periods in NBA history. Anthony is the most interesting free agent because numerous teams have requested his services, even the New York Knicks, the team he inevitably left. No one knows what Anthony will do next, but he has every team in the league drooling in anticipation.
“Melo’s” tenure in the Big Apple dates back to February of 2011 when he demanded a trade from the Denver Nuggets. When Anthony landed in New York, the streets glistened with hope. Knicks fans hoped that Anthony would help raise a third championship banner in Madison Square Garden’s rafters. He failed to do so in the city that never sleeps, but did some incredible things to help jump start the franchise back into contention. The Knicks made the playoffs in every season except one while Carmelo was there. His presence also attracted Phil Jackson, the greatest coach in professional basketball, to recently become president of the Knicks. Jackson has adamantly said he needs Carmelo to make the Knicks great. Jackson coached and helped mold Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, two of the greatest players of all time, into what they have become today. He has said that “Melo” has the possibility to become as great as them, but Jackson needs Anthony to stay in order to work with him. New York has the talent to be a contender in the East, and has the money to make Anthony happy.
Even though New York is a great opportunity for Anthony, he may not stay. He is desperate for a championship. In 11 years,” Melo” has failed to achieve a Larry O’ Brien trophy. If he fails to become a champion, his legacy may be remembered as a fiasco. Other teams who play at a championship level have said they would love to have Anthony as a part of their roster. With so many options at his disposal, here are the top three routes I feel Carmelo should pursue:
Sign with the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are the forerunners to landing Carmelo. Joakiem Noah, the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, challenged “Melo” saying, “If you [Anthony] want a ring, if you want your legacy to be about winning, come to Chicago.” The Bulls have the cap space to give Anthony the money he desires, and a great opportunity to win the franchise’s seventh championship.The Bulls are in Finals contention every year and if Anthony signs with the Bulls, he, a healthy Derrick Rose, and Joakim Noah could form the next Big Three.
Sign with the Miami Heat
The thought of Carmelo Anthony teaming up with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh should spark nightmares in the hearts of coaches around the NBA. Miami doesn’t have the cap space to give “Melo” the money that he wants, but on paper, the Heat could have the greatest team in NBA history. If LeBron and D-Wade re-sign with the Heat and they get Anthony to tag along, a championship will eventually find its way back to South Beach
Re-Sign with the New York Knicks
Phil Jackson has a track record of developing championship level players.If Anthony buys in to Jackson’s philosophy, he could become much more of a leader on and off the court. The Knicks are not ready for a championship, but through slow and methodical teaching and rebuilding, the Knicks could possibly win a championship in due time.
Carmelo Anthony has a number of options at his feet. This summer is a pivotal moment in his career and could ultimately decide his legacy. I feel that Carmelo should sign with Chicago. The Bulls are only a few pieces short of being an annual NBA Finals contender. Whatever Anthony does decide to do, one thing is certain; his window of opportunity is closing fast.
Emmanuel Morgan
