NBA Free Agents 2014: Carmelo Anthony To Dallas Mavericks? Mark Cuban Has The Best Situation For Frustrated Knicks Superstar! Will Melo Move To Texas?
The NBA Free Agents of 2014 are slowly taking over the headlines. Only three weeks until the season ends, and for hope to spring again for the other 29 fallen teams. Carmelo Anthony can also find hope-but maybe not in New York.
As the possible top free agent this year (assuming LeBron does not opt out), Carmelo Anthony will have all the teams with cap space knocking at his doorstep.
While Melo has stated repeatedly that 'winning is his only priority,' observers doubt if he's really willing to take a massive pay cut to join a contender.
The main argument there would be the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls would be able to get an estimated $16 million cap space if they amnesty Carlos Boozer. It is unlikely that the Melo would accept that and turn away from a $22.5 million extension. If the Bulls want to offer more money, they need to trade away key assets like Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler-which would considerable weaken the Bulls.
Why does he have to make that choice? There is a team that can sign him outright. From Basketball Insiders:
"Dallas has the cash to go after Anthony straight up. Dirk Nowitzki has already told the team he'll work with them to get them the cap space to sign another significant player. So Dallas could get to the $20-$22.5 million number the Knicks are expected to offer. They could present a team built around Monta Ellis, Jose Calderon and Nowitzki with a proven coach in Rick Carlisle."
That's not a bad core, considering they reached the 7th game against the San Antonio Spurs in their first round match-up. As Bleacher Report states: "Basically, the Mavericks are much closer to competing for a title than most gave them credit for. Perhaps that will hold some weight with free agents this year, and particularly with Carmelo Anthony."
Dirk Nowitzki is also a free-agent but has publicly stated that he's willing to take a pay cut to make the team more competitive-a REAL pay cut, not a Kobe-style contract. Dallas is still a big market and Mark Cuban is willing to fall into luxury tax territory to compete.
The question would actually be, why would Carmelo NOT sign with Dallas?
