When Carmelo Anthony visited the Windy City as a free agent this offseason, the Chicago Bulls rolled out the red carpet.
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They of course weren’t the only team to do so as the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets all attempted to court Anthony in free agency. That said, it appeared as if the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls were the preferred choices of the All-Star forward who seemed torn on his decision.
Eventually Carmelo Anthony decided to re-sign with the New York Knicks, though it wasn’t because the Chicago Bulls didn’t try. In addition to the long-term offers said to be presented to Anthony, the Chicago Bulls also were willing to offer Melo a short contract hoping the lure of extra money would be enough to snatch him away from the Big Apple.
CHI had reportedly floated the idea of a short-term 2-yr deal for Melo so he could re-sign for max in 2016. He says that wasnt appealing.
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) September 4, 2014
Accepting such an offer would have allowed Carmelo Anthony to not only become a free agent again in the very near future (in addition to a potential max contract), but would have allowed him to cash in once the current CBA (collective bargaining agreement) expires.
Why such wasn’t appealing to Carmelo Anthony is unknown. Perhaps he likes the financial security of a long-term deal though it’s safe to say the Chicago Bulls attempted to explore all avenues in their efforts to sign the forward.