Bulls put on full-court press for Carmelo’s visit

The Bulls rolled out the red-and-black carpet for Carmelo Anthony on his much ballyhooed visit to Chicago on Tuesday on the first day he has ever experienced as a free agent.
After meeting with coach Tom Thibodeau and surprise guest Derrick Rose, walking past the Michael Jordan statue at United Center and later having dinner with Scottie Pippen, Anthony is ready to do the Texas two-step Wednesday.
Anthony has a morning meeting in Houston, where Dwight Howard will be on hand, followed by a pow-wow with Mark Cuban’s Mavericks, who will be fronted by Dirk Nowitzki. But the Bulls still pose the Knicks’ biggest threat, and it was noteworthy Rose decided to show.
The Knicks are considered front-runners to re-sign Anthony, but this is exactly what he craved — the courtship experience. And the Bulls management laid it on thick in the Second City. It does not appear there is any chance now of Anthony winding up in Miami in a new Big 3 or a Big 4. LeBron James reportedly was seeking a two-year deal at the max, while Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh would take major paycuts. It reportedly would leave just $12 million annually for the team to offer Anthony.

When Anthony emerged from a black van surrounded by a police escort, he was greeted by the United Center video marquee that had him pictured in a white-and-red Bulls uniform. Large electronic pictures of him in a Bulls jersey alongside a championship trophy hung on the sides of the arena. There were “Carmelo Anthony’’ and “Melo’’ video boards on the arena’s facing.
According to eyewitness reports, Anthony walked in with his agent Leon Rose, longtime manager Bay Frazier and Thibodeau, who rode in the van with his guests. Thibodeau is a Creative Artist Agency client and longtime friend of Rose. Thibodeau’s advisor is William Wesley, who also consults with Anthony but wasn’t present Tuesday.
A small group of fans clapped as he walked past the famed Jordan statue, hoping he can be the piece that brings the Bulls back to their championship past. Inside the arena, Anthony tweeted good luck to the USA World Cup team, but nothing about the Bulls. Anthony didn’t speak to reporters.
A lot will depend on whether Anthony believes Rose will return to full health and not turn into Amar’e Stoudemire. Anthony’s comfort level with Rose likely will be a major factor in whether he feels it’s worth it to take a significant paycut to join the Bulls and leave the potential five years, $129 million Phil Jackson can offer on the table. The Bulls, without Rose, were knocked out in the first round of last season’s playoffs.
Rose, who has played 50 games in three seasons, had created waves by saying Sunday it isn’t “my job’’ to recruit Anthony. But Bulls forward Joakim Noah convinced Rose to show up and speak to the Knicks superstar. A league source said the quiet Rose was engaging. A report stated Rose worked out in front of Anthony to show his health.

Also on hand was Taj Gibson, the rugged power forward whose presence indicates the Bulls have no plans to dump his contract in order to open up max cap space for Anthony. The Post reported in Tuesday’s editions Thibodeau doesn’t want to trade Gibson, and the Chicago Tribune reported Anthony is against Gibson being dealt.
Anthony continued the tour by viewing the new practice facility across the street from United Center, which should open in time for the coming season. The meetings concluded with Bulls officials, reportedly along with Pippen, taking Anthony and his entourage to dinner. An ESPN Chicago report quoted a Bulls’ official as calling the meeting “good.’’
Nevertheless, the Bulls realize financially they can’t stack up with the Knicks unless they bait Jackson into a sign-and-trade. Indications are Jackson won’t cooperate.
If the Bulls amnesty Carlos Boozer and dump Mike Dunleavy and Jimmy Butler in trades, that would create enough room to offer a $17 million starting salary. In a max four-year deal with 4.5 percent raises, it would add up to $72.6 million — or $56.4 million less than the Knicks’ potential max offer. Jackson has said he hopes Anthony lives up to his promises and is willing take a little less to give the Knicks cap flexibility in 2015.
Money isn’t the only reason the Knicks stand in the lead. Anthony is concerned about uprooting his 7-year-old son Kiyan, and The Post reported last Tuesday his wife, Brooklyn native La La Vazquez, doesn’t want him to leave the Knicks.
The Lakers could be the most enticing for Anthony and Vazquez. Anthony is expected to visit them Thursday, possibly to appease Kobe Bryant. A source said in May the Lakers had tepid interest.
Reportedly, general manager Mitch Kupchak, vice president Jim Buss and Lakers president Jeanie Buss will run the meeting. Jeanie Buss is Jackson’s fiancée, setting up a potentially awkward situation.
The Rockets can open up major cap space if they trade Jeremy Lin, and they may have a deal already in place. The Mavericks were believed to have close to max cap space for Anthony, but that didn’t factor in the new salary of Nowitzki, who also quietly became a free agent. Cuban said he won’t have the max for a free agent, and Nowitzki negotiations are on hold, awaiting Anthony’s decision.
A source connected to Anthony’s inner circle told The Post on Monday “There’s reason to believe he’s not leaving.’’

No Walton for Knicks

Derek Fisher has lost a potential candidate for his Knicks coaching staff: Luke Walton reportedly will be a Steve Kerr assistant in Golden State.
Fisher hopes to hire Kurt Rambis as lead assistant, but Rambis in the running for Lakers head job. Bucks assistant Jim Cleamons is a possibility for the Knicks in wake of Jason Kidd leaving the Nets for Milwaukee.