NBA rumors: Los Angeles Clippers still in the running for Carmelo Anthony?
The 2014 NBA offseason could be one of the biggest of all-time.
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The Miami Heat’s big three of forward LeBron James, big man Chris Bosh and guard Dwyane Wade have opted out of their contracts. As has New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, meaning all four players will become unrestricted free agents Tuesday.
The Los Angeles Clippers are hoping to be a player for both Anthony and James. Putting one of those stars with an elite power forward in Blake Griffin and the game’s best point guard in Chris Paul may make the Clippers the favorites entering the 2014-2015 season.
Of course, landing a free agent will be tough no matter how appealing playing with Griffin and Paul is because the Clippers are capped out and ave nothing more than the mid level exception to offer. That means the Clippers would have to get the Heat or Knicks to agree to deal James or Anthony to them in a sign-and-trade and the Heat are reportedly not willing to do that.
According to Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times, the Clippers haven’t ruled themselves out of the Anthony sweepstakes.
"Anthony, who opted out of his contract with New York, is expected to visit other teams, such as Chicago, Houston and the Lakers, according to reports.But the Clippers haven’t ruled themselves out of the running for Anthony, according to NBA executives not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.Anthony can sign a maximum deal with the Knicks that would pay him $129 million over five years. He can get a $96-million deal over four years with teams that are under the salary cap."
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.