The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads right now as they have a new coach starting a new era. Will they also have a new franchise player?
The Carmelo Anthony trade rumor mill had a resurgence when Zach Lowe of Grantland when he mentioned in his column that the Knicks are "getting closer" to trading their superstar.
One factor that should not be set aside in all the trade talks is that Carmelo Anthony has a "no trade clause" in his contract which only he can waive. Thus, he has to agree to a trade for it to happen.
There was one team that got close to stealing Anthony from the Knicks, the same team that Melo's college coach Jim Boeheim was recommending: the Chicago Bulls.
However, there were questions about Anthony's defense (and lack thereof) and how he would adapt to a Tom Thibodeau system. Well, Coach Thibs is gone and Fred Hoiberg is ready to begin a new era-faster and more offense-centric.
What better way to usher a new era than a new superstar? In Blog A Bull, the question was raised on whether the Bulls should pursue Carmelo if and when he becomes "available."
Most people are betting on it. They note that Phil Jackson is not exactly in a rush to win a title-he has a long-term contract and he's taking the long rebuild mode - a path that the Knicks have never treaded yet. Thus, Blog A Bull explored the possibility.
"Moving Melo for some combo of players (at a minimum, Jo for the money and a young player like Mc3 for "upside") and picks (ours plus the SAC pick, plus seconds, plus whatever pick swap we have with CLE) is probably more valuable to them than the 8th seed and immediate destruction."
It's easy to see why the Bulls would do it. In Hoiberg's "quick set-up" offense, Carmelo would thrive as he is one of the gifted scorers in the league. But you'll need to sell that to Phil Jackson.
Joakim Noah would be a textbook triangle offense player. He is a good passing center and his defensive prowess takes pressure off rookie Kristaps Porzingis. Also, the Knicks are bereft of draft picks-a must for a rebuilding team-- something the Bulls have collected for an opportunity exactly like this.
A blockbuster trade like this will take time and a lot of factors to execute, but it would definitely be explored.