The Chicago Bulls could be on the move to acquire Carmelo Anthony in a three-way blockbuster deal with the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
Recent rumors have suggested that Anthony could waive his no-trade clause for the Knicks to move him before the trade deadline. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Anthony has "privately" showed an interest in listening to trade talks, but the Knicks have yet to find a trade package that they are "willing to accept."
Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers have been linked as possible destinations for the nine-time All-Star. But another suitor that could drastically alter the NBA landscape may have emerged, with Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler reportedly contacted Anthony three-days ago in what the former described as a "catch-up" call, reports Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
"What it should have been was a recruiting call, letting Anthony know that he's still welcomed in a Bulls uniform if he goes ahead and waives that no-trade clause to escape New York. Don't, however, rule out Butler making that call soon," Cowley wrote.
Anthony joining Butler in Chicago would certainly improve the Bulls chances of competing in the playoffs. Many may see Anthony an odd addition to the Bulls, who already have Butler and Dwyane Wade, but Melo's presence should still help the franchise win more games.
The Bulls have plenty of trade assets to throw in a potential deal for Anthony. A trade scenario that could work, according to Matt Moore of CBS Sports, is a three-way trade with the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
In Moore's trade scenario, the Bulls would send Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic to the Knicks, while Rajon Rondo ends up in Philly. Doing this would allow the Bulls to clear some space for Anthony's $24.6 million for this season.
Gibson and Portis would add depth to the Knicks' frontcourt, while Mirotic answers New York's need of an outside shooter and scorer. On the other hand, Rondo would be an ideal acquisition for the 76ers, who has long been intrigued of adding a steady playmaker.
Marc Berman of the New York Post reported that Anthony may stand firm to stay with the Knicks, despite his feud with team president Phil Jackson. But if the Bulls could convince Anthony to waive his no-trade clause, it is something New York should consider to move on from the Melo drama.
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