And I don't think Melo, Bosh, or Wade are interested in take the massive paycut it would take to get Melo in Miami.

That leaves Chicago and Houston as the obvious choices and I think Chicago has some obvious benefits compared to Houston. Chicago represents and easier path to the Conference Finals than Houston; at a minimum Houston needs to get past two of San Antonio, OKC, and LAC, Chicago just has to worry about Indy. Chicago has a much better coach than Houston. Chicago's a larger market than Houston. And there's an easier path for Melo to get to Chicago than to Houston.

Knicks could play hard ball. Nobody has the cap space to sign Melo outright. LIke a trade, they'd have to strip the bench to clear cap. Chicago has the picks and the Euro kid to entice.

Bulls want melo, knicks won't make it easy. Maybe we are telling Melo if he opts in, we'll work a trade and get him a better deal. if not, He takes less, goes to a team that might have a "Big three" but not much else.

This is a Chess game. LEbron is the king and he is the priority for a few teams. Then Love. Then Melo. HE might not be in as much control as he thinks he is.

I also think one has to be wary of Noah's limited physicalness as he seemingly breaks down the longer the season goes. Dude was crawling thru thu the playoffs last two years. DRose is in an unknown durable question. At the other end he has to play some defense under Thibs and listen to the yelling.

In Houston he has to be out west which is a buzzsaw playoff wise. Spurs are not going away, Portland, GS, Dallas, Thunder and Clippers make the playoffs very hard. Phoenix is on the rise as well!!! And, its freaking Houston!!!!!! Melo is a "Star"!!!! Stars don't play in Houston!!!

Miami don't have the money for him unless they can send bosh or Dwade packing. That or have no bench.

A lot of things have to happen for Melo to move and that means Chicago as teh front runner is formidable, but they have she'd assets. Reinsdorf might not be interested in the financial ramifications.

Dolan might be a moron but he'll spend! Phil and knicks might see a way to squeeze Melo and not make his life so easy. IT could be a game of poker and who bluffs first? We might get burned, but being a wuss never gets the job done either.

This is gonna be a fun few days. I wonder if the Shit hits the fan or its just another media hyped draft and Trade scenario.?

Nalod wrote:Via Daily News.........

I forgot that Paxson is an exec with the Bulls. Doubt we would see a sweetheart deal like the one McHale gave Ainge in the Garnett deal, but maybe a better deal for Melo than he would get from someone else in the same situation. Hoping anyway.

The Heat, Rockets and Lakers are also interested in acquiring Anthony. There are unconfirmed reports of the Cleveland Cavaliers being willing to trade the No. 1 overall pick in a sign-and- trade for Anthony. However, Anthony would only consider Cleveland if the Cavs were able to sign LeBron James. That scenario seems remote. James has until the end of the week to notify the Heat of his plans to either opt out or opt in to his current contract.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/melo-opts-loves-knick-test-market-article-1.1840244#ixzz35Tfy4wyt

If only Phil pulled that one off!!!

Great for the Knicks, Melo, Lebron & Cleveland!!!

Phil is certified gansta is he orchestrates this bad boy !!