One way or another, Phil Jackson will have history with the franchise Carmelo Anthony chooses to sign with in NBA free agency.
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According to Bleacher Report’s Jared Zwerling, Carmelo appears to have narrowed his options to two teams:
A source close to Melo: Down to NY & CHI. Was some thinking early on Melo & Bron could play together but now Melo decision could come today.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) July 11, 2014
Over the past few weeks, the rumors have run rampant about Carmelo’s decision in free agency. Although many anticipate the superstar forward will simply re-sign with the Knicks, things have changed after the perennial All-Star met with all the teams interested in his services.
The Los Angeles Lakers made a big impression on Carmelo when he met with the team last week. The Lakers brass appealed to Carmelo for many different reasons, but now the Chicago Bulls appear to have pushed Los Angeles to the side with the prospect of winning now likely being the selling point.
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No teams have been ruled out of the Carmelo sweepstakes at this point, but all indications point to Chicago or New York being the top two destinations.
Now that LeBron James has decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Carmelo’s decision will likely be made soon. Unfortunately, that decision probably won’t happen on Friday, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports:
In regards to a decision for Knicks free agent forward Carmelo Anthony, a source said: "It's coming… Not today."
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 11, 2014
Although Carmelo is still weighing his options and possibly just waiting for the Bulls to clear cap space, there should be more movement on the free agent market with LeBron now in Cleveland.
Other notable unrestricted free agents still available are Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Ray Allen, Trevor Ariza, Paul Pierce, Nick Young and Pau Gasol. Notable restricted free agents left on the open market consist of Isaiah Thomas, Greg Monroe, Eric Bledsoe, Gordon Hayward and Chandler Parsons.
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