At least Dallas can afford Carmelo Anthony.
Unlike the Rockets and Bulls, the Mavericks are expected to have enough cap space to sign the Knicks star to a maximum contract, and Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki put in his two cents, saying he would be welcome. Anthony is still under contract with the Knicks, and Nowitzki’s comments could be construed as tampering.
“If Carmelo would really love to come here, we’d love to have him,” Nowitzki said Sunday in an interview on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.
The Knicks still can offer Anthony more money at five years, $129 million, but that issue may take a back seat, as he has stated he’s willing to take less for a chance to win a title sooner rather than later. Any team other than the Knicks only can sign Anthony to a four-year deal, and Texas doesn’t have a state income tax.
Dallas has been named as a prospective Anthony suitor since April, and the Mavericks actually led the NBA champion Spurs 3-2 in the first round of the playoffs. However, the Mavericks also could serve as an option that forces the Knicks’ hand into a sign-and-trade with the Bulls or Rockets, both of which are over the cap. The Knicks could opt for a sign-and-trade with either of those teams if they feel Anthony would skip to Dallas with no compensation.
Dallas also could come into play in the dream scenario of Anthony winding up in Miami. If Miami’s Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh opts out after the Heat’s Finals disaster, Bosh could be wooed by his hometown Mavericks, leaving a spot for Anthony in Miami. ESPN.com has reported the Heat have had internal discussions about adding Anthony to make a Big Four, with each player taking significantly less money — about $14 million each.
James was asked about his future following Sunday night’s elimination by the Spurs.
“I haven’t really thought about it just yet,” he said. “I will deal with my summer when I get to that point. I love Miami, my family does. I know you are trying to find answers, but I’m not going to give you one.’’
Knicks president Phil Jackson took to Twitter to congratulate the Spurs on their fifth championship: