Heat plan to pursue Carmelo Anthony in free agency

JLop · Post #1 » by **JLop** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 1:36 am

Here you can read the full article:
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-bas ... ree-agency

It seems like the Miami Heat is planning on keeping the big three and adding Carmelo as well.

"The Miami Heat have huge plans for free agency this summer, as they are internally discussing making a play for New York Knicks star forward Carmelo Anthony, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein:

Sources told ESPN.com that Heat officials and the team's leading players have already started to explore their options for creating sufficient financial flexibility to make an ambitious run at adding New York Knicks scoring machine Carmelo Anthony this summer in free agency.

…

Sources say internal conversations within the Heat organization about pursuing this course have run concurrently with Miami's bid to win a third consecutive championship, with sources adding that James in particular is likely to try to recoup potential salary sacrificed through fresh off-court business opportunities if the Heat's new dream scenario does come to fruition.

Such an acquisition would require LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to all opt out of their contracts before the beginning of free agency, and then to all take pay cuts. Anthony said before the season started that he would become a free agent, but new Knicks president Phil Jackson is trying to convince him not to. The Heat would could also ask reserve big man Udonis Haslem to decline his $4.6 million player option for next season.

It is not all that dissimilar to the plan Miami executed in 2010, and that one also required some tricky maneuvering. It will be even tougher this time, as the NBA's collective bargaining agreement makes it extremely difficult for teams to pull off this kind of thing. As a matter of fact, NBA commissioner Adam Silver fielded a question about competitive balance and "super-teams" before Game 2 of the NBA Finals, via the Miami Herald:

Asked whether the breakup of the Heat or Thunder would be considered a success for the league under a labor deal designed to create competitive balance, Silver said: “I don't know if I would necessarily call it a success. Our goal was not to break up teams. But ultimately, any type of cap system in essence is a form of player sharing.

“So to the extent that James Harden leaves Oklahoma City and the Houston Rockets then become a competitive team, that's a positive thing for the league. Part of the purpose of a cap system is so you don't see too much talent aggregated in one market.”

The Heat, under Pat Riley, have always thought big. This is thinking colossal. Some scoffed at the idea of James, Wade and Bosh teaming up before it actually happened, and that should have taught us something. If all parties of motivated to make it happen, it's possible."

And here you can read another article:
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/23 ... eate-Big-4

"Heat Working On Plan To Sign Carmelo To Create Big 4

The Miami Heat have begun discussing the possibility of adding Carmelo Anthony in the summer to create a Big Four.

The concept would require LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to opt out of their current contracts and likely take further salary reductions in their new deals.

The Heat also are prevented from making any formal contact with Anthony until July 1 and can do so then only if he opts out of the final year of his current contract.

Anthony has until June 23 to notify the New York Knicks of whether he will opt out this summer.

James in particular is likely to try to recoup potential salary sacrificed through off-court business opportunities.

James is doing very well financially due to endorsements and entertainment projects.

During the Eastern Conference Finals, sources say James was finalizing what is believed to be the biggest equity cash payout for a professional athlete in history as part of Apple's recent $3 billion purchase of Beats Electronics. Sources briefed on the situation say James realized a profit of more than $30 million in cash and stock in the Beats sale after he had struck a deal to get a small stake in the company at its inception in 2008 in exchange for promoting its high-end headphones."

Update (6-15-2014):
Here you can read the full article:
http://allucanheat.com/2014/06/14/nba-r ... iami-heat/

"NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Wants To Sign With Miami

The hot rumor at the moment seems to be that there is a legitimate chance that the Miami Heat can sign Carmelo Anthony and bring him to South Beach this offseason.

It’s a crazy rumor to say the very least, but it’s one that is nonetheless gaining steam. To add fuel to the fire, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith shouted more words while on television this weekend and noted that Carmelo Anthony wants to play LeBron James and will if the Heat find a way.

Per FanSided:

Speaking on SportsCenter, Smith stated that Anthony desires to play with James and that he’d be willing to take a discount to do so. However, Smith seemed a little less reluctant to suggest Bosh or Wade’s desire to take a hit in the pocket and stated that Pat Riley will need to somehow convince the players to do so, which likely isn’t going to the be the easiest of tasks.

Melo has been mum on the rumors that he’s going to opt-out in New York and pursue free agency, but that looks like the most likely case. It’s the smartest move for Melo, as he can find the best situation for him, but Miami getting him seems to still be a pipe dream, even if the rumor is getting beaten into the ground."

MartyCONLONNN · Post #2 » by **MartyCONLONNN** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 3:11 am

I really don't think Melo fully appreciates the kind of sacrifices that would have to be made for him to come here (if the rumors are true & he's actually interested). Complete revamping in his defensive technique + getting accustomed to by far to the most physically demanding defensive scheme he's ever been in. He would have to play the 4 more times than not (which I don't think he likes)... guarding guys like David West in the playoffs. He would go from being a 28 ppg scorer to at MOST a 20 ppg. Would have to commit to moving the ball and barely any iso ball... imagine how bad our spacing would b with ppl sagging off Wade and Bron while Melo tries to force some crap. Seeing as how extreme of a makeover that all would be, im not sure we should even want him here.

The only thing that makes sense to me is that if Wade is going to continue to miss 30 games a season then we really should be looking to add something more sustainable to the squad. Melo seems like a volatile option though.

ninjamilk23 · Post #3 » by **ninjamilk23** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 3:45 am

I can't post in the GB since I'm still new but I don't understand why everyone is getting mad at LeBron for this. I thought it was Pat Riley who was in charge who gets to play for the Heat. I don't understand why this makes Lebron look bad. When LeBron joined the Heat everyone hated him for joining another star. Now that another superstar wants to join the heat everyone is still hating him. So why don't people get mad at Melo instead of LeBron? lol.

maoriboy · Post #4 » by **maoriboy** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:03 am

MartyCONLONNN wrote:I really don't think Melo fully appreciates the kind of sacrifices that would have to be made for him to come here (if the rumors are true & he's actually interested). Complete revamping in his defensive technique + getting accustomed to by far to the most physically demanding defensive scheme he's ever been in. He would have to play the 4 more times than not (which I don't think he likes)... guarding guys like David West in the playoffs. He would go from being a 28 ppg scorer to at MOST a 20 ppg. Would have to commit to moving the ball and barely any iso ball... imagine how bad our spacing would b with ppl sagging off Wade and Bron while Melo tries to force some crap. Seeing as how extreme of a makeover that all would be, im not sure we should even want him here.

The only thing that makes sense to me is that if Wade is going to continue to miss 30 games a season then we really should be looking to add something more sustainable to the squad. Melo seems like a volatile option though.

Lol this is a different view on how I see it going really, do you honestly believe the spacing will get worse by adding Melo?

Honestly, I don't see any problem with Melo focusing on defense more. He has all the physical tools to hold his own against the majority of the PF/SFs, he had arguably his best year on the boards and scoring wise was the same.

He's shown an ability to be a willing passer in the US teams and some of the earlier NY teams.

The way I see Riley and Spo pulling is getting Dwade to come off the bench, LeBron, Melo and Bosh start so that the ball is moving and everyone gets their shots to begin with. Bring in Wade take out LeBron and keep at least two stars on at all times. Everyone should be getting the right amount of minutes, LeBron now has a guy to take some of the load off his back and all of a sudden his career has another three or four seasons to it.

Overall, your adding Melo to a spot that's being manned by Rashard Lewis, Shane Battier or James Jones, your going to improve by leaps and bounds offensively and at worse your going to come out even on the defensive, if not better.

Miami should be praying for this, this team is on the decline even if they are in the finals, adding Melo is a no brainer move.

NBADraft2003 · Post #5 » by **NBADraft2003** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:26 am

Knick fans being hypocrites. It's ok for them to have Melo, LBJ, Love, and Gasol in 2015 but get pissed at Wade, LeBron, Melo, and Bosh. This is the perfect video to describe them:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bzPIbVcGiA[/youtube]

Anyways, I don't know what I want. Adding Melo would increase our firepower but would we have the depth to be better? We need a better PG than Rio and a C now but we can still win championships without them. Whatever happens happens this offseason, I'm just going to enjoy it.

Heat3 · Post #6 » by **Heat3** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:28 am

It would be cool if it happened, but honestly, they are all sourcing Windbag who knows nothing about the Heat. His article is as vague as espn articles tend to be when they just site some anonymous "source". Really, it is no different than what we people have posted on realgm for months except it has less details.

Still, what gets me is Windbag says that the heat have started to explore the possibility of adding Melo this summer...really? We're a little over a week away from the off season and Pat Riley is only now "starting" to explore the possibilities? :lol:

If it were a possibility you better believe they started exploring it day 1 in 2010 when these guys all signed contracts with opt outs over multiple years.

In conclusion, Windbag is a tool, he offered nothing new that realgm posters haven't done a better job at writing about months ago, but it still brought some entertainment to me as other fans are in a hissy fit over the possibility. Some good lols to be had on the Bulls board where they have been salivating for Melo all year to join forces with Rose :lol:

Heat3 · Post #7 » by **Heat3** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:31 am

NBADraft2003 wrote:Knick fans being hypocrites. It's ok for them to have Melo, LBJ, Love, and Gasol in 2015 but get pissed at Wade, LeBron, Melo, and Bosh. This is the perfect video to describe them:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bzPIbVcGiA[/youtube]

Anyways, I don't know what I want. Adding Melo would increase our firepower but would we have the depth to be better? We need a better PG than Rio and a C now but we can still win championships without them. Whatever happens happens this offseason, I'm just going to enjoy it.

Bulls fans too :lol:

This is why they are all full of crap for hating on Lebron for The Decision. They all just mad they failed to get him. And they mad already that this rumor has Melo maybe coming to Miami :lol:

Rose/Melo/Noah/Thibs = ahhh yeah!!!!
Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Melo = the nba is a joke, i'm not watching anymore!!!

:rofl:

mswenson · Post #8 » by **mswenson** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 5:52 am

Heat3 wrote:
NBADraft2003 wrote:Knick fans being hypocrites. It's ok for them to have Melo, LBJ, Love, and Gasol in 2015 but get pissed at Wade, LeBron, Melo, and Bosh. This is the perfect video to describe them:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bzPIbVcGiA[/youtube]

Anyways, I don't know what I want. Adding Melo would increase our firepower but would we have the depth to be better? We need a better PG than Rio and a C now but we can still win championships without them. Whatever happens happens this offseason, I'm just going to enjoy it.

Bulls fans too This is why they are all full of crap for hating on Lebron for The Decision. They all just mad they failed to get him. And they mad already that this rumor has Melo maybe coming to Miami

Rose/Melo/Noah/Thibs = ahhh yeah!!!!
Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Melo = the nba is a joke, i'm not watching anymore!!!

exactly. they want to amnesty boozer so they can sign melo. Loyalty right there

NBADraft2003 · Post #9 » by **NBADraft2003** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 5:56 am

Heat3 wrote:
NBADraft2003 wrote:Knick fans being hypocrites. It's ok for them to have Melo, LBJ, Love, and Gasol in 2015 but get pissed at Wade, LeBron, Melo, and Bosh. This is the perfect video to describe them:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bzPIbVcGiA[/youtube]

Anyways, I don't know what I want. Adding Melo would increase our firepower but would we have the depth to be better? We need a better PG than Rio and a C now but we can still win championships without them. Whatever happens happens this offseason, I'm just going to enjoy it.

Bulls fans too This is why they are all full of crap for hating on Lebron for The Decision. They all just mad they failed to get him. And they mad already that this rumor has Melo maybe coming to Miami

Rose/Melo/Noah/Thibs = ahhh yeah!!!!
Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Melo = the nba is a joke, i'm not watching anymore!!!

It's hilarious reading their posts bro. The NBA was a joke when the Big 3 me together and they said they'll stop watching but they're still here so the NBA can't be that big of a joke. But we need to focus on evening this series.

2thehoopand1 · Post #10 » by **2thehoopand1** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 5:57 am

I don't expect it to happen. Miami needs to upgrade the bench and role players at key positions

Sent from my iPad using RealGM Forums

Post #11 » by **mopper8** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:28 am

would much prefer Kyle Lowry. Imagine having a real point guard who can score, organize the offense, and hit from deep, consistently, in the middle of his prime, locked up for the next 3-4 years.

We'd be looking at possibly 7 or even 8 straight trips to the Finals, 4-6 titles probably, maybe 7 (depends on this year obviously). That's bananas.

edit: and it would totally shore up our guard play as Wade declines. Still leaves us with needs in the frontcourt but he'll probably command less than melo, leaving some money left over to throw at guys on the wrong side of 30 who might be willing to take discounts, like Gasol

BballMania47 · Post #12 » by **BballMania47** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:12 am

I just want to keep Melo away from the bulls. If they get him and we strike out in the off season we could be in trouble. Wade will probably require rest during the season and LeBron has already commented that he doesn't want a repeat regular season like the last. Every year he looks exhausted in the finals, we're seeing it now!

Ratchet_Rio · Post #13 » by **Ratchet_Rio** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 11:56 am

lol @ Kyle Lowry being the key to 7 or 8 straight titles

DaddyCool19 · Post #14 » by **DaddyCool19** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 12:29 pm

Heat3 wrote:
NBADraft2003 wrote:
Rose/Melo/Noah/Thibs = ahhh yeah!!!!
Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Melo = the nba is a joke, i'm not watching anymore!!!

It's not like they drafted 2 of those 3 guys right? And Chicago was Thibs 1st team where he coached... Can't see the comparison.

Post #15 » by **IggieCC** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 1:27 pm

Ratchet_Rio wrote:lol @ Kyle Lowry being the key to 7 or 8 straight titles

Lowry would be a better fit than Carmelo. And a more realistic option for sure.

Ratchet_Rio · Post #16 » by **Ratchet_Rio** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 1:59 pm

IggieCC wrote:
Ratchet_Rio wrote:lol @ Kyle Lowry being the key to 7 or 8 straight titles

Lowry would be a better fit than Carmelo. And a more realistic option for sure.

Neither of which has relevance to my comment.

Jaxon · Post #17 » by **Jaxon** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:15 pm

lol the amount of hate we're getting at just the possibility of this happening makes me want to see it come true. So much salt from every fan of an Eastern Conference team.

But anyway, if this were to happen, it would cement this Heat team as a modern day Bill Russell-era Celtics type team. The league would just be going through a cycle. Bulls, Knicks, etc fans need to accept it.

Also laughing at all the guys on here saying they'd stop watching the NBA if it happened. No they wouldn't. Your teams haven't won championships in over 2 decades (or at least just off from it for the Bulls) in the first place. If you're a fan you should root for your team regardless and not worry about what other teams are doing.

king_james_vers · Post #18 » by **king_james_vers** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:16 pm

Heat3 wrote:Bulls fans too This is why they are all full of crap for hating on Lebron for The Decision. They all just mad they failed to get him. And they mad already that this rumor has Melo maybe coming to Miami

Rose/Melo/Noah/Thibs = ahhh yeah!!!!
Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Melo = the nba is a joke, i'm not watching anymore!!!

Come on, that's not a fair characterization.

Rose and Noah were drafted by the Bulls. If "The Big Four" comes to fruition, only one of them will have started out in Miami. People aren't mad the the Heat are building a juggernaut, they're mad that they're "buying" one.

I don't think it's going to happen anyway, but let's at least be fair about why people are getting upset.

Ratchet_Rio · Post #19 » by **Ratchet_Rio** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:19 pm

king_james_vers wrote:
Heat3 wrote:Bulls fans too This is why they are all full of crap for hating on Lebron for The Decision. They all just mad they failed to get him. And they mad already that this rumor has Melo maybe coming to Miami

Rose/Melo/Noah/Thibs = ahhh yeah!!!!
Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Melo = the nba is a joke, i'm not watching anymore!!!

Come on, that's not a fair characterization.

Rose and Noah were drafted by the Bulls. If "The Big Four" comes to fruition, only one of them will have started out in Miami. People aren't mad the the Heat are building a juggernaut, they're mad that they're "buying" one.

I don't think it's going to happen anyway, but let's at least be fair about why people are getting upset.

But it was ok in 2010 when the Bulls were after any combo of Wade/Bosh, Bron/Bosh, Wade/LeBron, or all 3 right? These guys are mad because their teams lost out, period. I hope Riley and Co. pull this off as an obligatory F U to the rest of the cry baby owners and their fans.

Jaxon · Post #20 » by **Jaxon** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:19 pm

It would be the Fantastic Four.