The NBA Playoffs might be in full swing, but that does not mean Carmelo Anthony's pending free agency is going unnoticed. Phil Jackson is busy cleaning house with the New York Knicks before shifting his focus to free agency and attempting to re-sign the small forward. Meanwhile, every other team in the league is figuring out a way to sign him to the best deal possible. The Chicago Bulls are working through roster adjustments and the Houston Rockets are working to enter the mix as well.
Anthony wants to go to a winning team. While he has not ruled out a return to the Knicks, he is prepared to meet with teams starting June 1 and deciding which option gives him the best chance to win a championship now instead of later. In the world of Big 3s and super rosters, the Rockets and Bulls both feel they have the edge.
According to Houston Rockets beat writer Eddie Sefko, the Rockets might not have the edge they think they do. Anthony is a scorer. It might be overlooked with the Knicks terrible season, but Anthony averaged 27.4 points this season including multiple games of 40-plus points. He is not exactly known for passing, only averaging three assists a game. Because of his style, Sefko reports the Rockets would be a bad fit for Anthony.
James Harden and Anthony are the same type of player. Both shoot, a lot. The chances of that pairing working out are slim to none. The Rockets are hoping to create their own three-headed monster with Dwight Howard, Harden and Anthony, but the situation has a better chance of blowing up than it does succeeding. Anthony is not going to be willing to pass the pass to Harden and Harden is not going to be willing to share shots with Anthony.
This makes the Bulls the frontrunner just like the team has been hoping. Derrick Rose is expected to be healthy and head the offense. According to Bleacher Report, Joakim Noah will be the x-factor to lure Anthony with his unselfish style of play. The newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year remains one of the more sought after teammates and could be the reason Anthony leaves New York. Chicago would simply have to amnesty Carlos Boozer and release someone like Taj Gibson to make the salary cap work. Not to mention Tom Thibodeau is a great coach to pair with.