Melo appears to be leaving “home” in New York to test the 2014 summer free agency market.
Carmelo Anthony has officially opted out of his contract with the New York Knicks to become an unrestricted free agent. The 30-year-old small forward was set to make $23.3 million for the final year of his contract, but could be taking his talents elsewhere for a smaller contract.
Melo now envisions himself winning a championship, as the New York Knicks are in a rebuilding process. With new management, coaching and the lack of NBA Draft picks they have until the 2017 season – he sees viable winning options with either the Chicago Bulls or Houston Rockets. This is now ahead of Monday’s midnight deadline, where had until tomorrow to inform Knicks management plans whether to opt-in or pursue free agency.
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The Bulls appear to be front runners currently with respected head coach Tom Thibodeau alongside Joakim Noah and the return of Derrick Rose. He’s recently been asking people about the living conditions in the windy city and even talking to 3rd parties about the team’s system.
As planned, Carmelo Anthony will file notice with Knicks on Monday that he's opted-out of 2014-'15 season on contract, source tells Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 22, 2014
Houston is right behind with the possibility of joining Dwight Howard and James Harden, as well as the no state income tax he will have to provide Rockets management more salary cap relief. Melo has the option of signing a maximum contract at 5-years/$129M but we’re certain Phil Jackson isn’t looking to give a player at the age of 30 that large of a contract.
With Chicago, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles or anywhere else, he could sign a deal of $96 million for 4 years. He’s also been linked to the Miami Heat, but Chicago appears to the front runners at moment, and being a proud member of the Jordan team would allow fans to embrace him upon an imminent arrival in Chicago.