New York Knicks‘ star Carmelo Anthony has insight into the Chicago Bulls after flirting with them during NBA free agency this summer
More from Chicago Bulls
- NBA Rumors: Warriors, Lakers among contenders for key free agent
- 3 players Bulls can sign with Disabled Player Exception
- NBA free agency: The 3 biggest losers in this offseason so far
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- 5 players Sixers could acquire in Harden deal to stay competitive
At one point it seemed as though the Chicago Bulls were the favorite to land New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony.
Carmelo Anthony opened free agency with a visit to the windy city and he was wined and dined by players, coaches and the front office. He knew that he could be a great fit with the Bulls, who have been desperate for offense over the last few years but he instead re-signed with the Knicks, inking a five-year deal worth about $124 million.
In what should be a surprise to no one, Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks will open their season by hosting the Chicago Bulls in a nationally televised game on Wednesday night (8:00 pm EST, ESPN).
Carmelo Anthony likes the match up because he gained some insight into the Bulls this summer.
“I knew that was going to happen,’’ Anthony said before Sunday’s open practice at the Garden regarding the schedule via Marc Berman of the New York Post. “I kind of new they were going to throw that game on the schedule first. I was kind of prepared for that mentally, being excited for that moment, knowing the offseason I had. The whirlwind and the tour, it was a lot and Chicago was one of the teams I highly considered at that time. To open up against them on our home court, that’s where it starts at.’’
Even if Carmelo Anthony does have insight into the Bulls, beating them this year is going to be difficult. Star point guard Derrick Rose looks healthy and they added veteran Pau Gasol and a couple of young talented players in Nikola Mirotic and rookie Doug McDermott.