Report: Mavericks to pursue Carmelo Anthony

While the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls have been the main team connected to Carmelo Anthony as he prepares for his upcoming period of free agency, the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN Dallas, will pursue to the star small forward, but only under specific circumstances:

"Dallas would certainly like to be involved in the Carmelo Anthony derby but not if he demands a super-max deal with a starting salary of more than $22 million. The Mavs will have interest inPhoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe and Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat, but it’ll likely be extremely difficult to woo them away from their current teams, particularly with Bledsoe being a free agent. Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Luol Deng, whose defensive ability and toughness appeal to Carlisle, will likely be near the top of the Mavs’ wish list. (Indiana Pacersshooting guard Lance Stephenson, on the other hand, will not be.)via After right steps, Mavs need major strides | ESPN"

At the ripe age of 29, Anthony is going to command a lot of money this offseason considering this will be his last big deal as a player. He’s hinted at not taking the full max contract, sacrificing money for an opportunity to compete for a championship, but due to the past setting a precedent for what’s to come, it’s hard to see this happening.

Offense wasn’t an issue this season for the Dallas Mavericks, but adding a bonafide star like Carmelo Anthony wouldn’t hurt the organization. He’d be playing with the best coach of his career in Rick Carlisle, and after seeing what Carlisle did with Monta Ellis this past season, Anthony could and should be intrigued by the idea of playing with Carlisle, one who many have as their second best coach in the NBA.

If I had to make a list at where the Mavericks lie in terms of their chance to land Anthony if he dials down on the money he’ll want this summer, they’d likely finish after the first three teams mentioned at the beginning of this post. Maybe lower if someone like the Miami Heat or Phoenix Suns decide to swoop in and reel in the star forward. Like they did with Dwight Howard, Lebron James, and Deron Williams, the Mavericks won’t be shy in regards to pursuing Anthony, but odds are this pursuit will end like the last three for a superstar did: without the top guy.