The offseason is still long in the NBA, and a few cases could still animate the market in the weeks to come. A renowned free agent would in particular be the subject of many interests, starting with that of the Lakers, the Nets and the Warriors!
Like every summer, the most ambitious NBA franchises are trying to put together the most competitive squads possible, with the aim of winning the title a few months later. Like every summer, most of them are therefore embarking on similar tracks during free agency. A finding still applicable today, almost a month after the opening of the market.
Collin Sexton, Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schröder, Hassan Whiteside, Eric Bledsoe, Dwight Howard: there are still many interesting targets who have not found a base for next season. Carmelo Anthony is notably part of this list, he who comes out of a satisfactory campaign with the Lakers (13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds). At 38, he should still not have to consider retirement right away.
Big tussle in sight to sign Carmelo Anthony
Always so lethal in his role as scorer, Carmelo does not lack desires. In addition to the interest of the Nets, reported already a few days ago, that of the Warriors is gradually starting to make noise. Interviewed by Sean Deveney from Heavy.coman anonymous GM at the same time did not wish to exclude the Lakers from the equation, and believes that the latter could very well win the bet in this file:
They have to take care of a lot of things, as everyone knows. But once that’s done, they’ll surely be looking to bring him back. It’s just that at this point they don’t know what’s going to happen with Westbrook and if they’re going to have to take other players. It’s a general trend in the league, where most teams have only 10, 11 or 12 players under contract, and are in no rush to offer the last spots of their squad.
Indeed, the Angelinos would not have completely buried the idea of trusting Melo for a second year. Both sides reportedly discussed the possibility recently, and remain a priori open to a meeting. The insider Sean Bullpett has in any case shared the feeling of the executive quoted above, and affirms that it will be necessary above all to be patient in this soap opera:
I think he is one of the players who will be decided late. When the teams are settled on what moves they can or can’t make this summer, and as they prepare for the season, they will look into him. I think it’s going to take time for Carmelo, unless Darvin Ham says, “Yes, I see him taking a role with us and I want him. At this point, Carmelo represents an affordable option.
Still not re-signed by the Lakers, Carmelo Anthony would still be on the radar of LA Rob Pelinka and his assistants will however not have to wait too long on him, on pain of seeing a big rival steal him under their noses!