NBA Rumors: Will Caremlo Anthony take a pay cut?

Mar 25, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) battles Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kent Bazemore (6) for rebounding position during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony is gong to have no shortage of suitors should he become a free agent this offseason (Of course, Anthony can opt in, which is an option Knicks’ president Phil Jackson has asked him to consider doing and he has until June 23 to make that decision).

More from NBA

The team that comes up in connection the most with Anthony. If the Bulls (or most other teams for that matter) are indeed Anthony’s desired destination and the Knicks and Bulls can’t work out a sign-and-trade, Anthony will almost certainly have to take a pay cut, says Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders.

"Unfortunately, if the Bulls cannot trade for Anthony getting to the point where they can offer Anthony his full $22 million starting salary via cap room is not worth it. They would have to trade away Taj Gibson to clear that kind of space, but would then have only the two-year, $2.7 Room Exception and the league minimum at their disposal to fill in the roster around Rose, Butler, Anthony and Noah. They would have no means by which to acquire Mirotic this year either, because even if he were willing to take the Room Exception and Real Madrid were willing to reduce his buyout, it would not work because he must sign at least a three-year contract if he is to exceed the Rookie Scale.This option would be great if Anthony is willing to reduce is salary demands enough to allow the Bulls to keep Gibson, but that would entail him taking a massive paycut that seems unlikely."

Anthony averaged 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game last season.

Home/NBA