Melo 15: The End Is Nigh

[IndianPlaya17]

While everyone has been in Charlie Brown mode I have been doing some research and here is what I've come up with.

Carmelo Anthony has eliminated the Mavs. Mitch Kupchuk flew out to Cleveland yesterday after the meeting with Melo to meet with Lebron's agent. Now with the Lakers offering Melo the max why would he fly out to Cleveland if he thought Melo would take it? They wouldn't have the room to sign Lebron and that is a longer process. With Melo eliminating Mavs and Lakers while making the offer moving on seemingly, it seems to be between Houston, Chicago, and NY. Reports say that Melo will stay in NY. But that's all media stuff. There is a reason Players don't talk to media as much because they always make a story.

Now with this Mirotic deal, from what I understand the Bulls knew about this a while ago. This was coming, so it isn't like the Bulls are moving on. In fact, since they knew it was coming why would they go see Gasol? Taj, Mirotic, and Gasol seems like overkill. I don't think they'll sign mirotic instead they'll trade his rights, I think they are buying time to see what Melo does.

What I am saying is that if we look at it logically with all the pieces, the Bulls are still very much in the running. Melo may or may not have made up his mind but he isn't tipping his hand. Melo may go back to NY but nobody and nobody knows anything. I am sure there's been some sort of contact and the Bulls know where they stand. I don't think it'll be a surprise to anybody.

What I don't want is Lance Stephenson. I would rather put my eggs in the Love basket especially since the Bulls are the only team aside from GSW that he'll extend with.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. Just when I was starting to lose faith, this lifted my spirits!

[Leto]

I like this Lebron thing, too. I think it gives us a bit of an advantage if other teams get distracted by Lebron.

[DRoseCantStop]

Agreed. He's coming to Chicago and I couldn't be more excited. This is like Christmas.

Omer was my boo - and I'll never forget him - but Nikola is a better prospect than Omer ever was.

The Reign of Mirotic had just begun.

Mirotic and McDermott. On the court. At the same time. Both wide open.

And Lance shoots a contested jumper.

[fleet]

How likely is it that Melo would be willing to play for the Lakers for less in order to to leverage Phil Jackson into a S&T? Winning the title will still be out of reach in LA as well next year.

I think he wouldn't gamble if he thought he might get his bluff called, considering the 130 million. Depends on how he reads PHil Jackson.

I don't get why everyone got so pessimistic yesterday.

Is it because KC Johnson relied on some random twitter source about Joakim telling people he doesn't think Melo will come to CHI? Or was there a legit source on that?

The fact that LA offered a max contract plays exactly into what the Bulls need. With a S&T, aren't we able to offer closer to 20M instead of 17-18M? If so, that's a lot more palatable for Melo. And with the Lakers offer, Melo can now tell Phil, "either you S&T me to the Bulls or I'll just go to LA." I think this is plausible b/c playing for LA has a lot of benefits for him and his wife if not winning. I think he ultimately would rather play for us though, and now he has leverage to make that happen.

Why aren't we happier about this?

EDIT: Also to add, people forget that the difference isn't as big when you consider that Melo will 99% get another contract after a 4 year contract. So the first year of the next next contract fills in the money gap a little. It's not like this will be his last ever NBA contract and thus he has no chance to make up the money. It's probably more like a $15M difference than a $30M difference I'd guess.

You know, I could be right there with you, but what bothers me is that Melo is said to have eliminated the Lakers as a possible destination. If he was playing ball on this, then he would instead be needing to play up interest in LA in the media big time as a bluff. Outwardly, this doesn't look to be going our way.

[IndianPlaya17]

Has Melo really eliminated LA and DAL has possible destinations or is it speculation?

[RyGuy24]

Mirotic and McDermott. On the court. At the same time. Both wide open.

And Lance shoots a contested jumper.

Hand down, man down.

[Chitownbulls]

Lala has a fashion line.....she dont want to come to Chicago

[MisterRoy]

Forget about LA. Focus on the chess match between the Bulls and the Knicks. How much do we give up to get Melo.

[MisterRoy]

Lala has a fashion line.....she dont want to come to Chicago

She can come to Chicago for a few years. It won't hurt.

[Rerisen]

Good enough, lets migrate.