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As Carmelo Anthony leans toward leaving New York, Chicago and Houston emerge as frontrunners

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by t0mdotcom, Jun 14, 2014.

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Fullcourt Member

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Raven said: ↑

Yeah, and who's bringing the ball up the court, ya know whatta I mean?
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I most definitely know whatta you mean, my man.

#1881 Fullcourt, Jul 1, 2014

htown1984 Member

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Hope harden and howard stay up and meet melo at the airport
Then take him out to the strip club lol

#1882 htown1984, Jul 1, 2014
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im saving post 10,000 to make a new thread when we get whatever big player morey comes through with.

any ideas on what it should be about?

#1883 peleincubus, Jul 1, 2014
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peleincubus said: ↑

im saving post 10,000 to make a new thread when we get whatever big player morey comes through with.

any ideas on what it should be about?
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Oh man don't do this to yourself you won't like how this ends.

#1884 Postcall, Jul 1, 2014
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peleincubus said: ↑

im saving post 10,000 to make a new thread when we get whatever big player morey comes through with.

any ideas on what it should be about?
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How we should have kept Lin

#1885 Fullcourt, Jul 1, 2014
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peleincubus said: ↑

im saving post 10,000 to make a new thread when we get whatever big player morey comes through with.

any ideas on what it should be about?
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welcoming jordan hill to the rockets?

#1886 OmegaSupreme, Jul 1, 2014
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peleincubus said: ↑

im saving post 10,000 to make a new thread when we get whatever big player morey comes through with.

any ideas on what it should be about?
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A "where were you when X player agreed to sign with us?" Thread.

#1887 mrm32, Jul 1, 2014

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peleincubus said: ↑

im saving post 10,000 to make a new thread when we get whatever big player morey comes through with.

any ideas on what it should be about?
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Fullcourt said: ↑

How we should have kept Lin
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How great it is that we finally got Lin back after that awful trade we all regret so much.

#1888 JustAGuy, Jul 1, 2014
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Fullcourt said: ↑

Gotta wonder if Rose having to be dragged into a meeting he by all accounts had no interest in attending and then skipping dinner turns Melo off a bit.
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Kobe sure turned off Dwight. Rose probably doing the same to Melo but on a lower level. Rose is really a non sociable guy though. I've seen this in person.

#1889 Cstyle42, Jul 1, 2014
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Bulls spent 9 hours with Carmelo Anthony Tuesday. Now, the waiting game begins. <a href="http://t.co/dxoAmHjMl9">http://t.co/dxoAmHjMl9</a></p>— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCJHoop/statuses/484174467560513537">July 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Derrick Rose arrived first, entering the United Center shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday for a scheduled workout and rehabilitation session.

Joakim Noah was next, sauntering through a parking lot shortly after noon in baggy shorts.

A stretch luxury vehicle disgorged the esteemed guest shortly before 1 p.m. Electronic signage of his likeness in a No. 7 Bulls jersey festooned the United Center and greeted Carmelo Anthony, as did a smattering of fans milling around the Michael Jordan statue.

But perhaps the biggest moment of the Bulls' pitch for the six-time All-Star free agent came when Taj Gibson made his typically unassuming entrance at roughly 2:15 p.m.

When Tom Thibodeau said Monday that “our players will be available to talk” regarding free-agency pitches, the Bulls coach wasn't kidding. And Gibson's presence carries particular significance. Sources said both the Bulls and Anthony, should he choose Chicago, want to keep Gibson for a core that would significantly improve their chances for an Eastern Conference championship.

Barring the Knicks agreeing to engage in sign-and-trade talks, keeping Gibson and his $8million salary would limit Anthony's payday. Though sources have indicated the Bulls would be aggressive in making necessary moves if Anthony verbally committed, the Bulls would have to amnesty Carlos Boozer and trade Mike Dunleavy, Jimmy Butler and Anthony Randolph for a starting salary of $16.9million.

The Knicks, who will speak to Anthony last after his weeklong tour of four teams, can offer a first-year salary of $22.5 million.

This is why the Bulls' ideal scenario is for Anthony to commit and persuade Knicks President Phil Jackson to engage in sign-and-trade talks. Not only would that get Anthony closer to a maximum salary, it would allow the Bulls to remain over the salary cap and thus use exceptions to sign other players.

Like Gibson's, Rose's brief involvement carried significance given his reluctance to recruit players. This dislike stems from his quiet personality and an old-school mentality that current teammates never should be undermined.

Sources told the Tribune last week that Rose's camp had made clear to Anthony's camp that Rose would welcome an Anthony signing. Still, his speaking to Anthony for roughly 20 minutes inside the Bulls' locker room represented a departure for someone not comfortable in that role.

Rose left the United Center with assistant general manager Randy Brown shortly after 3 p.m. and didn't attend a dinner later.

After the two-hour meeting at the United Center, the Bulls contingent showed Anthony the new practice facility across the street that is scheduled to open in time for training camp.

According to a source present at the meeting, the Bulls sold what they always sell — a ready-to-win roster, the city, attendance that annually ranks first or second in the league, the championship tradition, facilities and strong ownership and organization.

That the Eastern Conference is eminently winnable also may have resonated with an 11-year veteran experiencing free agency for the first time. Especially since the rest of Anthony's week includes visits to the Rockets and Mavericks on Wednesday and the Lakers on Thursday in the rugged Western Conference.

The Bulls capped their presentation with a lengthy dinner at a downtown hotel in which Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf bonded with Anthony, sources said. Noah and Gibson also attended the dinner.

Anthony obviously represents the No. 1 target and demanded the bulk of time and focus Tuesday. But free agency is a game of musical chairs that doesn't stop, which is why the Bulls also continued to contact agents for backup plans.

Those included, but were not limited to, Pau Gasol, Paul Pierce, Chandler Parsons, Ramon Sessions, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng. Yes, that Luol Deng.

When the Bulls traded Deng to the Cavaliers in January in an attempt to avoid the luxury tax in the wake of Rose's injury, that bridge appeared burned. But Deng told the Tribune the day after the trade that he wouldn't rule out a return. And while that remains a long shot, especially given the amount of interest Deng has drawn, the initial contact speaks to the fluidity of this Bulls offseason.

Everything starts with Anthony, though. The Bulls took the first, and their best, shot Tuesday. Now the waiting game for his decision — lowercase “d” — begins.

kcjohnson@tribune.com

Twitter @kcjhoop
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#1890 Fullcourt, Jul 1, 2014
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Rose is super quiet guy I've met him twice. One time was in LA at a movie premiere he was just chilling on the side I went up and talked to him for a bit - but he was just chillin by himself - no one around him or bothering him.

First time was at summer league he wasn't playing but came out to watch Dorsey play he sat in front of me and went totally unnoticed - Mayo was mobbed and these people were walking by Rose like he wasn't the first pick and all.

Dude is just a quiet guy

#1891 The_Yoyo, Jul 1, 2014
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Barring the Knicks agreeing to engage in sign-and-trade talks, keeping Gibson and his $8million salary would limit Anthony's payday. Though sources have indicated the Bulls would be aggressive in making necessary moves if Anthony verbally committed, the Bulls would have to amnesty Carlos Boozer and trade Mike Dunleavy, Jimmy Butler and Anthony Randolph for a starting salary of $16.9million.
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Interesting that they would trade Butler.

#1892 ForTheWinYes, Jul 1, 2014
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Melo free agent scouting report by draftexpress. (They did the same thing last year with Dwight.)

<script height="418px" width="742px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=23b69841d9454479a6f4fcf4a8514588&ec=t2OXBmbjqjsECP0TYQQhpK2JPOiYvOUt"></script>

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Carmelo-Anthony-2014-Free-Agent-Scouting-Video-4630/#ooid=t2OXBmbjqjsECP0TYQQhpK2JPOiYvOUt

#1893 rocketblaze, Jul 1, 2014

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peleincubus said: ↑

im saving post 10,000 to make a new thread when we get whatever big player morey comes through with.

any ideas on what it should be about?
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You got 9,999 problems son but a post aint one!

#1894 J Hard, Jul 1, 2014
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Fullcourt said: ↑

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Bulls spent 9 hours with Carmelo Anthony Tuesday. Now, the waiting game begins. <a href="http://t.co/dxoAmHjMl9">http://t.co/dxoAmHjMl9</a></p>— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCJHoop/statuses/484174467560513537">July 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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That Derrick Rose early morning rehabilitation session is something Melo can get used to once he signs with Chi. Derrick breakin him in early.

#1895 J Hard, Jul 1, 2014
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ForTheWinYes said: ↑

Interesting that they would trade Butler.
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They would have to trade everyone but Rose, Noah, and Gibson.....all without taking back any salary in every case. Don't see it.

They almost certainly have to do a SnT. Good luck asking NYK to pay $30 million in luxury taxes for Boozer.

#1896 finsraider, Jul 1, 2014
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Hope that meeting isn't too early otherwise they'll run into Grumpy Melo.

#1897 TexasRedd, Jul 1, 2014
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Column: As Melo, Big Three decide, major moves are in a holding pattern. <a href="http://t.co/6eVBF22Yiz">http://t.co/6eVBF22Yiz</a></p>— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KBergCBS/statuses/484180146724020224">July 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Welcome to the free-agent holding pattern, 2014 version.

A year ago, all but the most mundane moves were delayed until Dwight Howard decided whether he was staying in Los Angeles or going to Houston, Dallas, Atlanta or Golden State. After a holiday weekend in Aspen, Colo., with his advisors, Howard chose the Rockets.

Then, finally, the free-agent floodgates opened.

Howard is now in recruiting mode instead of decision mode. He'll be part of a Rockets contingent that will meet with free agent Carmelo Anthony in Houston on Wednesday. After spending the day in Chicago, Melo-palooza will then roll on to Dallas and Los Angeles, where Anthony will be greeted by a high-level delegation including Jim Buss, Jeanie Buss (who skipped last summer's groveling session with Howard), Mitch Kupchak and presumably Kobe Bryant. The Lakers don't have a coach yet to present to Anthony, but hey, maybe that's part of the appeal. Sign here, and you get to pick the coach, too.

Jason Kidd is already taken, but Larry Drew is available.

Meanwhile, the recruitment of free agents such as Kyle Lowry, Chandler Parsons, Gordon Hayward, Luol Deng and Trevor Ariza has slowed to a standstill while Anthony enjoys his free-agent experience and the Miami Heat's Big Three decide what they're going to be doing and how they're going to be doing it. (Actually, while two-thirds of them, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, are away on vacation.)

The belief all along around the league has been that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will be staying put; it's just a matter of math at this point. Some of the math that was revealed Tuesday, the first full day of the free-agent negotiating period, didn't add up. The idea was floated that Heat president Pat Riley was telling prospective free agents that he'd have $12 million to spend. Given that James is seeking a max deal starting at $22 million, and with about $7.6 million more on the books (Norris Cole, first-round pick Shabazz Napier and cap holds), that would mean that Bosh and Wade would be accounting for only $23 million between the two of them.

Eureka! The great capologist, Riley, had figured out a way to keep the band together and bring in a high-priced free agent to boot. So Bosh, for example, had opted out of a deal that would've paid him $20.6 million next season and $22.1 million the following season to sign a new contract starting at ... $11 million?

Well, the agent who represents Bosh and Wade, Henry Thomas, pumped the brakes. Thomas called those figures "BS" in text messages to various media inquisitors (yours truly included). One theory currently circulating -- a good one, if you ask me -- is that the numbers were floated by a representative of a free agent Riley is trying to land in order to leverage other teams that are formulating competing offers.

Oh, this business.

Anyway, the point is, nothing much besides Marcin Gortat, Jodie Meeks, Shaun Livingston and Cartier Martin can get done until the situations with the Big Three and Melo are resolved.

James, in stark contrast to his 2010 free-agent fiasco, isn't even personally attending meetings with teams -- instead, dispatching his agent, Rich Paul, to hear any pitches. A fool's errand, they'll be.

The teams that are entertaining Anthony have other irons in the fire, such as Parsons, Ariza and Deng. Courting Parsons without a decision from Anthony -- or, potentially, from James and Bosh -- would clog up cap space during the three-day period when Houston would be able to match since he's a restricted free agent.

For that reason, and others, the Bulls, Rockets, Mavs and Lakers desire a swift decision from Anthony so they can tend to other business and avoid losing out on free agents who might actually say yes.

It's like 2013 all over again, except Howard isn't luxuriating in Aspen while the world awaits his decision. Aspen is lovely this time of year, or so they say.

By the end of the holiday weekend, after Anthony meets with the incumbent Knicks and the Big Three finish divvying up all the money they just walked away from, certainty will abound and decisions will finally be made.

Just a few more days of BS.

Topics: Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, NBA
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Nothing new from Berger, including his usual jab at Dwight.

#1898 Fullcourt, Jul 1, 2014

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Grumpy Melo and 98 degree heat

#1899 rocketblood713, Jul 1, 2014
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rocketblaze said: ↑

Melo free agent scouting report by draftexpress. (They did the same thing last year with Dwight.)

<script height="418px" width="742px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=23b69841d9454479a6f4fcf4a8514588&ec=t2OXBmbjqjsECP0TYQQhpK2JPOiYvOUt"></script>

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Carmelo-Anthony-2014-Free-Agent-Scouting-Video-4630/#ooid=t2OXBmbjqjsECP0TYQQhpK2JPOiYvOUt
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His offense is great but hes looking mighty like Harden on D. Not sure I want 2 headaches watching these guys play D night in and night out.

#1900 J Hard, Jul 1, 2014

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