Joakim Noah reportedly recruited Carmelo Anthony to Chicago over All-Star weekend

Carmelo Anthony reportedly told Joakim Noah over All-Star weekend that his son's favorite player is Derrick Rose. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Bulls center Joakim Noah reportedly made efforts during All-Star Weekend to recruit Knicks star Carmelo Anthony to play in Chicago next season, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.

Citing a source close to the alleged conversation in New Orleans, Broussard said that Noah told Anthony that he could either go to Los Angeles next season to play for the Lakers or could start a legacy of winning again in Chicago:

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"But I’m told that Joakim said to Melo, “Look, you can go to Los Angeles. But if you want to win a ring, if you want your legacy to be about winning, come to Chicago.

"Melo, I’m told, said, “Look, I’ve been watching you guys. I admire how hard you play. I admire how hungry you are. Oh, and by the way, my son’s favorite player: Derrick Rose.”

(h/t Dan Feldman at NBC Sports for the transcription)

On Point Forward, Rob Mahoney writes that the Knicks' current season - in which they find themselves out of the playoffs if the postseason began today -- will factor into Anthony's decision of whether to use his early termination option to become a free agent in July.

According to sources close to Anthony, the All-Star forward wants the Knicks to make a move to put them in contention for next season and isn't willing to wait until the summer of 2015, when the team will have the cap flexibility to sign a marquee player. One player the Knicks have been reportedly interested in is Kevin Love, the Timberwolves All-Star who Tyson Chandler said "can't play D" during New York's win over Minnesota on Wednesday night.

As Broussard points out, any actual conversation between Noah and Anthony would be considering tampering and would subject Chicago to a possible fine, so it's unlikely there will be confirmation of any sort from the Bulls about the alleged conversation.

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