In the biggest NBA Free agent frenzy since LeBron, Wade, and Bosh; Carmelo Anthony is about to wrap up his courting period.
The Melo watch didn't disappoint either. With rumors from New York saying they weren't offering a max contract in an effort to retain flexibility. Then Derrick Rose well not recruit, then did, but it was on accident, but it wasn't. Then finally we hear Melo, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Love were playing basketball together at UCLA.
Most of those rumours have already been dispelled and all that is left is the actual announcement. But truth be told, Melo only needed to hear one thing to make his decision...
Max contract
I understand what winning can do for a players legacy, and I'm sure Melo was genuine when he said he was going to look for an opportunity that could help him win a championship, but there was more money on the line than the average NBA fan can even fathom. The New York Knicks can offer Carmelo $60+ million more than the Chicago Bulls, and around $25 million more than the LA Lakers. Would you care to explain to your spouse why you took $60 million less?
People will say he already has more money than he knows what to do with, and you are right, but it doesn't mean he can make stupid decisions. When you hear Melo say, "I always wanted to stay here in New York" it isn't because he is selfish or only in it for the money, it is because he would earn ridiculously more money in New York than any other team could give him. And that isn't a bad thing, it's the decision 99% off us would make, so to unfairly cast the unfortunate expectation that he is that 1% is just wrong.
The Bulls did their job, and now they can return to building a NBA Eastern Conference contender. The Lakers and Kobe did their job, and now they can return to rebuilding their great franchise. Maybe, Kobe will join Carmelo next season in New York? Maybe the Bulls will work some magic and grab Kevin Love? Or maybe, just maybe there is a new super team about to be built in the desert?
Part of the picture will be announced tomorrow (Monday) and the NBA will become a little clearer again.
