Report: After hearing from 5 main suitors, Carmelo Anthony to take long weekend to think
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Carmelo Anthony has heard your pitch, he knows what you have to offer in terms of roster quality and salary, and he knows your entire offseason hinges on what he ultimately decides.
It's cause for a cold beverage, a hot dog and some time with family and friends.
Anthony will reportedly take the July 4th long weekend to consider his options and really think things through, as is his right as a citizen of the land of liberty.
As a review, here are the primary suitors for the second-best free agent on the market:
New York - The Knicks can offer the five-year maximum, familiarity, Phil Jackson, a hometown his wife Lala Vasquez is said to love, and, well, a loose promise of future cap flexibility to add support.
Houston - The Rockets can offer a pairing with Dwight Howard and James Harden, as well as a lack of state income tax. That's a pretty good starting point, but the Rockets may move on in short order.
Dallas - The Mavericks can likewise offer no state income tax, though the Dirk Nowitzki-Tyson Chandler supporting cast probably isn't as strong a draw as Houston's. Coach Rick Carlisle and owner Mark Cuban could swing things in their favor, however.
Chicago - Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and coach Tom Thibodeau form perhaps the best support Anthony could ask for, though it's unclear what they can get done without a sign-and-trade or some creative moves that cost them support pieces.
Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe Bryant missed the meeting, but the team was said to think their pitch went "really well." They can offer a max deal and flexibility to add a third star in 2015 if the cap is managed correctly.
So Anthony certainly has a lot to think about, with at least these five destinations all offering something intriguing. Meanwhile, he could also wait on the decision of LeBron James, both to see how suitors respond when he lands or because there are a few long-shot scenarios where the friends could play together.
The Freedom of Choice, yo.