On Monday, Carmelo Anthony has to make a decision on whether to opt-out of his contract with the New York Knicks. Doing so would make Anthony an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign wherever he wants or remain with the Knicks.
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Anthony will have a number of suitors if he becomes available, and according to the Wall Street Journal’s Chris Herring, Anthony could be out of New York if he opts-out:
“If he makes the choice to opt out, I think he’s gone,” said one person familiar with the matter.
The issue for Anthony in New York is that the Knicks will be $4 million over the cap even without Anthony’s salary on the books. By opting out and then re-signing with the Knicks he would actually hinder the team from bringing in some help next summer when they have the cap room.
The Chicago Bulls are believed to be a likely destination for Anthony if he leaves New York. The Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Heat have also been mentioned as potential landing spots.
The Lakers are likely to make a run at Anthony if he becomes available. Some even believe the Lakers could give Anthony a say in who the team’s next coach will be.
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With the team looking to make big changes and quickly re-build in Kobe Bryant’s final years, Anthony could represent the best available player. The Lakers have also been mentioned in trade rumors involving the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors.
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