NBA rumors: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony still want to play together
Miami Heat free agent forward LeBron James will reportedly choose between the Heat and a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers while New York Knicks’ free agent forward Carmelo Anthony is considering the Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
More from LeBron James
- LeBron James, Giannis, Damian Lillard all want that Mbappé money
- We finally have the worst LeBron James take of all time, and it’s glorious
- Bruce Brown takes shot at Lakers, LeBron James after cashing in
- LeBron James confirms the obvious about retirement in fiery ESPYs speech
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
Most believed each player would have already made their decision by now. The waiting has caused many to speculate the two are still plotting a way to play together, potentially waiting for Heat free agent big man Chris Bosh to get sick of waiting and sign a deal with the Houston Rockets, who are in heavy pursuit.
Reportedly, Anthony’s ultimate wish is to play with James in New York. To make any kind of big splash, the Knicks would have to deal both of their big men on expiring contracts, Andrea Bargnani and Amar’e Stoudemire. Ken Berger of CBS Sports outlines how difficult that could be.
"According to multiple rival executives, getting a team to absorb Bargnani’s contract would likely cost at least two first-round picks. Given that the Knicks’ 2016 pick already goes to Denver or Toronto (from the Anthony and Bargnani trades), Jackson would likely have to part with promising shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to obtain another one. Knowing the pressure is on Jackson to make a deal to appease Anthony, rival teams might ask for more — such as Iman Shumpert, one of the executives said."
James averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 56.7% from the field, 37.9% from three and 75.0% from the charity stripe last season. Anthony put up 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game and shot 45.2% from the field, 40.2% from beyond the arc and 84.8% from the free throw line last season.