Report: Bulls, Mavericks, Lakers, Rockets 'expect to make their pitch' to Anthony on July 1

Now that Carmelo Anthony's officially opted out of his 2014-15 contract with the New York Knicks, we've reached another new beginning in The Carmelo Anthony Free Agency Saga. 

Here's the latest from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein: 

... the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams that expect to have the opportunity to make their pitch to him starting July 1, according to sources close to the situation. ...

... the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat are two more teams that could join the race for Anthony, depending on how things play out before, during and after Thursday's NBA draft.

The Bulls have long been rumored as one of the favorites to land Anthony, and Shelburne and Stein do nothing to dispel that notion, writing that the Bulls have quietly been plotting their pursuit for months, going back to their January trade of Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers:

Sources say every move Chicago made during the season's second half -- including the seemingly minor signings of veterans Ronnie Brewer, Lou Amundson and Mike James to very tradeable contracts -- was made with the hope they might be helpful in a potential sign-and-trade with the Knicks for Anthony.

In Houston, the Rockets are attempting to deal Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin, according to Shelburne and Stein, in order to create cap room for Anthony:

The Rockets have been confident for some time, sources say, that they can not only move both players if necessary in deals that create the requisite flexibility but also rival the Bulls' sales pitch.

We know what you're thinking: these are some very talkative sources. Hey, it's that time of year. 

The Lakers have ample cap room to bring Anthony aboard, but their roster needs work. A lot work. Here's what ESPN's - you guessed it - sources have to say about the Lakers and 'Melo: 

Sources say the Lakers, to that end, have been exploring their options with the No. 7 pick in Thursday's draft and have told teams they are prepared to package the pick with the expiring contract of Steve Nash (owed $9.7 million next season) for the right offer.

The Mavericks have plenty of cap space and are expecting a sit-down with Anthony, while the Hawks - yes, according to ESPN's sources - are considering shedding $10 to $12 million in cap space in order to land Anthony. They're "a sleeper team to watch" in the sweepstakes, Shelburne and Stein write. 

In the end, the Knicks can offer 'Melo the most money: a max deal at $129 million over five years. 

Most importantly: this will all be over soon.