OPEN TO OPTIONS: CARMELO ANTHONY FREE AGENCY SAGA

If opting out is the wrong option, than you tell me what's right? Now in his 11th season, Carmelo Anthony can finally experience the feeling of other teams graveling at his feet for his services. Sounds egotistical but after leading his teams in scoring predominantly his whole basketball career whether it’s been at Oak Hill, Syracuse, Denver, and of course with the New York Knicks, it's time for a change as he's now a seasoned pro. Even after a meeting with Knicks president Phil Jackson, head coach Derek Fisher, and general manager Steve Mills, Carmelo Anthony will test the waters of free agency. A career averaging (25.3) points per game and coming off a season where he recorded a career best (8.1) rebounds to go with (27.4) points a night, which finished second in that category to league MVP Kevin Durant. He is a scoring machine on the block, in isolation situations, and in the open court; the problem is his inability or shall I say lack of a defensive intensity the same way he approaches his offense. Melo missed the playoffs for the first time in his career; however,  only getting out of the first round twice and one conference finals appearance in 11 seasons, his post-season success isn't much to brag about. He's been swept in the playoffs 3 times and loss in 5 games on four occasions. The blame all can't be on the 7 time All-Star but without a ring to show for anything and no championship in sight unless some drastic measures, movable pieces, or change of scenery, what's a man to do?

FIRST OPTION: LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (R) talks with New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony (L) as the Lakers lead the Knicks during second half of their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles December 29, 2011. --- CREDIT: REUTERS/DANNY MOLOSHOK

Adding Anthony in purple in gold may intrigue Southern California and give Jack Nicholson a reason to not go to Clippers games during the playoffs but will it produce?  With two players on the floor and their primary focus will be controlling the basketball and looking to score could cause a conflict between two longtime friends. Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony on the floor together seems like a good tandem; however will it result in winning championships? Bryant, coming off an Achilles injury. managed just (6) games last season. Bryant, now 35 years old and rehabbing off this injury will definitely not be the same Kobe we are used to but that won't stop this future Hall of Famer from giving his all next season.  As of now, the Lakers still do not have a head coach. Byron Scott seems to be the front runner but with Jim Buss in the front office, things could change rapidly. If Los Angeles will pursue Carmelo, they will need a coach that can handle these two personalities while sharing the basketball equally and sustain an offense that both they and the team can strive in. Another question is who is your point guard in L.A.? Having Steve Nash was credible some years back but as of late is that who you want starting in your rotation? Nash, similar to his former team mate, Amare Stoudemire, is yet another aging player battling health concerns that string from back and hamstring issues is more than likely will play his final season in the NBA this year. Thoughts of a new leader at point will be in the works as Steve Blake, Jordan Farmar, and Kendall Marshall are in the fold. July 1st will probably be the end of days for Pau Gasol in Los Angeles as the power forward will become an unrestricted free agent. Gasol has made it unclear of his future with the team, however with his nice salary out the picture it clears up cap, but who will fill that void as well. Also, the potential loss of Nick Young, who will opt out of his current contract, presents more issues for Lakers fans. Young, better known as "Swaggy P" averaged (17.9) points a game last season and now Los Angeles is down to only 3 players under contract on the current roster. Many rumors have started circulating  about the Lakers potentially trading the 7th pick they have for "splash brother", Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson in a three team deal has emerged but realistically won't happen. Not to mention the $48.5 million for Kobe Bryant over the next two seasons has the Lakers in a bind. Although Bryant is the face of the franchise and has accomplished tremendous heights with the Lakers, he should probably consider taking a page out of Tim Duncan's book if they land him and pursue other free agents and restructure your contract for less. Championships over Checks should mean more in Bryant's future at this point in his career. The Lakers future is fit for a Hollywood ending and Carmelo's wife LaLa Anthony is star in her own right who may lead him in that direction; but for Los Angeles to fix the collapse of last season, in which they posted a horrific (27-55) record, Carmelo should not or will not be part of that conclusion.

OPTION 2: MIAMI HEAT

Credit: Isaac Baldizon/NBAE

The "Fantastic 4" is a fictional superhero's comic that will not come to any arena near you or will it? News of a BIG 4 in South Beach spread faster than another Kim Kardashian tape but the actuality of it seems far-fetched. A tremendous amount of pay cuts that may send two of the BIG 3 in seven figures financially and Carmelo may come out with ($10-14) million dollar range is not ideal. Nevertheless, seven figures would still be more than enough for an average Joe, but these heroic Superstars are worth more than that. Carmelo is willing to take a pay cut for a title he has mentioned before but to go from the $23.5 million he currently makes to literally making half of your previous contract, I can't see Anthony making that much of an adjustment. LeBron James and Anthony are close friends both on and off the court and to picture 4 of the top 5 classmates of the 2003 Draft all wearing Heat across their jersey's is music to Miami ears but destruction to the face of the league. It was bad enough "The Decision" happened the way it did and brought the BIG 3 together even though all of the players  had their own right to team up in the Summer of 2010, but for the NBA purposes to bring parity throughout the league and to help within the small markets, it's bad business and it causes some of the smaller markets to suffer as well. The San Antonio Spurs, whom just destroyed the Heat in 5 games during the Finals showed the NBA that team basketball and unselfishness with not just primary Superstars in their prime can win in the association as well. Even if Miami could acquire Melo, how will you have enough money for role players and other key reserves? Other than Norris Cole, there's not a certain member that's returning to Miami. Maybe Udonis Haslem, but he didn't show much during the playoffs and Ray Allen is still a key contributor to any contender but he's been contemplating retirement. Also, Similar to the Knicks, the point guard is a even bigger issur  because although Raymond Felton was a below average guard, he's still more efficient than Mario Chalmers. Miami reportedly is expressing  a strong interest in Raptors guard Kyle Lowry but Lowry's price will be steep, just coming off one of his best seasons in his career and showed he can be a vital piece of a contending team. Can Erik Spoelstra get the ball around enough that everyone is happy while keeping stability in the locker room with an ongoing press trying to turn it into a circus is the question? Yes, the men have played together for the Olympic teams but as teammates of a NBA contender, this is a totally different scenario, and under a more experienced snf legendary coach in Duke legend Mike Kryzewski. Alongside Anthony and now LeBron James; Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade can each opt out of their contracts as well making this an interesting scenario. Only if Bosh and Wade decide to opt out of their contracts, that will be the most logical connection for Melo and James pairing in Miami. The likes of Rashard Lewis and Chris "Birdman" Andersen futures are up in air and Shane Battier retiring after 13 seasons, without a decent bench this BIG 4 may run out of fumes once again. With LeBron James who played the most minutes on his team last season and Carmelo Anthony averaging the most minutes per game in the NBA last year,  a young, athletic, and productive bench well be needed; However,  the thought of this is enticing, but I don't see this scenario happening but we'll keep a lookout on this option.

OPTION 3: HOUSTON ROCKETS

In my opinion, this is  the most logical option for Carmelo Anthony if championships are the only motive in his next basketball venture. As we just discussed Miami's "Big Three", the Rockets can replicate and form their own "BIG THREE" in Houston. Whether it will be Carmelo or LeBron James, Houston is aimed to get one of the Superstars and I believe Anthony would be a great addition in Houston. The Rockets have done a great job in staying under the cap and managing their figures to where they may only have to give up one or two players to keep their main core and bring Carmelo to Texas. Center Omer Asik and guard Jeremy Lin are the two names floating around that will clear up space for Anthony. If one or both go, the Rockets aim to keep Chandler Parsons in the rotation as well which would make a dynamic starting lineup. Bringing Melo may help Houston's head coach Kevin McHale keep his job after losing in the first round of the playoffs once again. Picture a starting lineup that exists of Beverley, Parsons, Harden, Anthony, and Howard may shake up the Western Conference completely. Although that lineup sounds intriguing, it is the Western Conference and playing (82) regular season games and a postseason, there are no guaranteed wins. Respect to the East but playing Milwaukee and Charlotte four times is an easier road than taking on the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. Another setback is that James Harden in retrospective is a poor man’s Carmelo Anthony. Younger, shorter, and a smaller frame but they both resemble each other. From scoring at their own will, with little to no defense and can also lack the ability to be a team player you necessarily want sometimes. The only problem I see is in the final stages of the 4th quarter and it’s a close game who do you give the ball too? From 2003-2012, Anthony was the king of last second and game tying shots with over 14 but as of late, with all the pressure relying primarily on him, he is fatigued by the final stretches of games. Harden continues to be a silent killer and getting to the free throw line down the stretch he leads the league in that category as well as shooting over 40% from the field and averages a point per minute under 5 minutes in close games. Although the both have selfish tendencies, their elite center could be the peacemaker among all their issues,  8 time All Star Dwight Howard. Howard is the last piece of a quote on quote “BIG 3” in Houston but with Anthony on board it could better days for the big seven footer. As one of the rare big men left in the NBA, Howard is not on the level of being the man at all times as much similar to the Orlando Magic days and can divert to the third wheel. Your third wheel that averaged (18.3) points and (12.2) boards is one nice luxury to have. A more defensive approach he can take as Harden’s (25.4) with Anthony's (27.4) points per can outscore anyone. The benefit of having the two elite scoring options could boost Dwight Howard back in the status of a three time consecutive Defensive Player of the Year one time ago.  Houston needs all the assistance they can receive on the defensive end but will Melo actually help you or hinder you in this category? The Rockets ranked 23rd in team defense allowing (103.1) a game in a highly powered Western Conference, which is not going to get Melo that illustrious NBA Finals trophy he desires. Defense will be the main priority and if McHale can preach it into a flourish of pure shooters, "Houston we have a problem."


OPTION 4: CHICAGO BULLS

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As Derrick Rose's health goes, so does the Chicago Bulls. Even with Rose being sidelined with a knee injury, over the past two seasons, the Bulls have managed to make it to the postseason and even advance to the Eastern Semi-Finals where they would lose in five to the eventual NBA Champions, the Miami Heat in 2013. The 2011 league MVP is trying to resemble that year and that season as Chicago won a league high (62) games as Rose averaged (25.0) points a night and (7.7) assists per game. Limiting Rose's ecstatic effort on offense, Anthony will be a key contributor in taking majority of the pressure off their gifted point guard. After averaging just (93.7) points a game as a team, which ranked last in the NBA, bringing a player with Carmelo's caliber may not change their culture but enhance their abilities on both sides of the ball. Reports are Derrick Rose prefers acquiring Kevin Love in favor of Carmelo Anthony. Rose is one talented player; however, after the freakish injuries that Rose has endured, we probably will not see the same player that we are used to, and Carmelo could heal some of the wounds offensively better than Kevin Love. We all know the desperation pursuit center Joakim Noah proposed on Anthony during this past year’s All Star weekend so Rose needs to jump on board as well. Either way, the Bulls want to retain swing man Taj Gibson. Gibson, heading into his 5th season, is a key contributor for the Buls averaging (13.0) points a game last season, and in the playoffs, Gibson's game went to another level as he posted around (18.0) points per contest. Getting a Superstar such as Anthony will require an amnesty of power forward Carlos Boozer and maybe shuffling guard Mike Dunleavy out of the Windy City. The Bulls have a solid bench picking up DJ Augustine mid-season at point and with Kirk Hinrich, Nazr Mohammad and youngsters Tony Snell and Jimmer Fredette; overall Chicago will still have depth. Depth that includes the emergence of their post play with Joakim Noah. Noah the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year also found his offensive retro par after working with NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the off-season. Noah averaged a double-double with (12.6) points and (11.3) rebounds a game including (5.4) assist per, showed the steady work Noah put in was reflecting on the court. Obviously their bread and butter is there defense which ranked 1st a season ago only allowing (91.8) points a game. Also with Jimmy Butler, who is another solid player who can play defense at a high level, that could take pressure off Carmelo on guarding an opposing team’s best player on a nightly basis. Head coach Tom Thibodeau is a defensive specialist but if anyone can tweak the defensive  game of Carmelo Anthony,  Thibs is the guy to do it. It's a reason Noah approached Carmelo and told him of the possibilities of getting a ring in Chicago and the direction they could take to achieve the goal. Anthony incised on moving to the Windy City as one of his short list of options this summer. The road to the Finals is much easier in the Eastern Conference compared to the tough Western Confernce and this could play a factor in his decision making as well. Whether Carmelo will be enough to get the Bulls back to the Finals  is yet to see; but, there's one thing for certain with a healthy Rose alongside the presence of Noah and Anthony's skill set, the Blackhawks may not be the only team hosting parades down West Madison Street.

OPTION 5: NEW YORK KNICKS



So why pack up and move again from the beloved place that you urged to play for after residing in Denver for the first part of your career? Carmelo wants to win a championship  and playing for a organization that have not won one in 41 years and you're at a risk of not playing on a contending basketball team for two or three more seasons,  what other choice do you have? Leaving Denver in the middle of the 2010-11 seasons, Carmelo forced James Dolan as well as the Nuggets organization on shipping him back home to New York. Since his time in the Big Apple, his surrounding cast was less than solid from either being plagued by injuries year after year to their lack of effort on a nightly basis. Many nights,  Carmelo looked so alone and there was nothing he could truly do about that. Anthony led the Knicks in scoring all (4) seasons including winning the scoring title in (2012-13) and although he's carried this team on his back, this team must surround him with help. A barrage of speculations from the time he landed was whether he and Amare Stoudemire could fit? Or is Carmelo Anthony asking to receive the ball too much?? Between Mike D'antoni and Mike Woodson as coaches; the verdict is in New York and why would you stay? Yes, the sound of $129 million over 5 seasons is as tasteful but is money everything??? In this society, that answer may vary but if Carmelo wants his ultimate goal to be a NBA champion, his chances in Manhattan aren't looking bright. Knicks President of basketball operations Phil Jackson said he wants Anthony in the Knicks future plans but also would  for the All-Star to take less money, in which Anthony has said he is willing to do. Taking less which he ultimately hopes will bring in one or two more big name Superstars to the Big Apple and place this franchise in position to win another title. Derek Fisher was introduced as the Knicks new head coach earlier this month and Fisher is a protégé of Phil Jackson, but after just leaving the hardwoods to a suit on the sideline may be a long transition. Jason Kidd did it last season across the bridge in Brooklyn but not everyone is the same. Drastic roster moves need to be made between Fisher and Jackson that includes clearing the books of expiring contracts. Amare Stoudamire and Andrea Bargani are both in exhausting contracts with $23 million and $14 million respectively. Neither have stayed on the court a full season throughout their career on the Knicks. Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton came off of their books as they traded them to Dallas on Wednesday evening. By surprise, New York did finish in the top 10 in opponents points per game (8th) with just (99.4) points per but only averaged (98.9) on the offensive side which led to a (37-45) record that kept Anthony and the Knicks out of the playoffs. Just a season ago the Knicks had won their first division title in almost 20 seasons. So why stay? Phil Jackson is one good reason. He may not be in the front office but he will be the headphones in Derek Fisher's ear for a while. A nice cabinetry of rings on display between both Jackson and Fisher as well can be presented to the long table. Together, they will install the triangle offense in route to hopefully obtaining potential free agents in the upcoming years. Free agents that could include Fisher's good friend Kevin Durant and a true point guard in a Rajon Rondo. Other candidates will be in place as the Knicks try to unfold and administer the small group of young players along with positioning a decent bench to help New York contend for a title. Reasoning for not coming back is one Jackson is not coaching he is the president. Both he and Fisher are in new roles for the first time in their careers and yes Jackson does have a resume that would impress Steve Jobs but both guys are in there first rodeo at their new positions. Second, how much will it take for the roster to get better? Time is not on Anthony's side as he is still in his prime but also facing the back end of his career and championships will come more and more difficult as the seasons go along. This love affair between a Superstar on the ropes and a franchise trying to resurrect itself among the NBA bests seems to be at an end. Of course his wife LaLa Anthony will play a huge part in this decision as her and his young son will all be involved in their next move. For Knicks fans, it may be a blessing in disguise as it is hard to find a guy as talented as Carmelo and work an offense around him. Chicago is defensive oriented and that has not been the case in Anthony's illustrious career. Miami is desperate as they are on the verge of falling like a Roman Empire but if Melo wants rings, team up with the villains of South Beach. Los Angeles is a long ways from New York but both franchises are in the same predicament trying to find an identity. As I stated before Houston seems to be the ideal place to land Carmelo. Free Agency does not officially begin until July 1st but I am very confident that a few more than the five teams I mentioned will be entering this sweepstakes for a chance at one of the most premier scorers and elite players in the game today.