NBA Rumors: Mavericks may try to match Knicks offer for Carmelo Anthony

While we don’t know if Carmelo Anthony will re-sign with the New York Knicks, it is expected that the All-Star small forward will opt out of his current contract in effort to secure a more financially stable deal.

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He’s likely to have his choice of suitors when he does, a list which potentially includes the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks. But what about the Dallas Mavericks?

The Mavericks have seemingly played the role of a dark horse in the months leading up to the Anthony sweepstakes and could be willing to strike by offering a contract similar to that expected to be offered by the Knicks.

“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,” says Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. “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.”

While the Mavericks can’t completely match the Knicks offer as they’ll hold Anthony’s Bird Rights, allowing them to give him the most money and years, they certainly can close. Add in the fact that he’d be signing on to a playoff team who could use an additional scorer and the pairing does make sense.

Of course, it’s hard to turn down the lure of playing for the Knicks and big money while also saying no to teaming up with James Harden and Dwight Howard in Houston.

One thing is for sure – Carmelo Anthony is going to face a tough choice.

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