Report: Carmelo Anthony split among Knicks, Lakers and Bulls
Free agent forward Carmelo Anthony has narrowed his free agency options to the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
The Knicks can offer Anthony the largest contract at five years and $129 million, and the team reportedly did so last week. The Knicks are coming off a disappointing 37-win season which saw Anthony miss the playoffs for the first time in his 11-year career. New team president Phil Jackson made his first major move two weeks ago by trading Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to the Dallas Mavericks.
After meeting with Anthony last week, the Lakers reportedly offered him a maximum contract of four years and $96 million. Lakers' star Kobe Bryant, 35, played only six games last season following injuries to his Achilles' tendon and left knee.
MORE NBA: Where should Carmelo go?
Anthony would have to take an even larger pay cut to join the Bulls, as Isola writes the team can only offer a four-year, $75 million contract. Bulls' star Derrick Rose missed a majority of last season after suffering a meniscus tear in November.
— Paul Palladino
