If the Miami Heat are intent on creating their own Melo drama while chasing Carmelo Anthony in free agency, they have the means to do it.
But they will need to get in line behind the Bulls, Rockets and Mavs, according to reports.
Anthony is scheduled to begin his Free Agency 2014 Tour Tuesday in Chicago, according to ESPN.com. The official free agent meet-and-greet and promise-the-moon period begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
After the Bulls, who are regarded as one of the most ardent suitors, the Traveling Anthony Road Show will stop in Houston and Dallas on Wednesday. The report also said Anthony will meet with the Lakers next week.
As expected, Chris Bosh, the last member of the Big Three, followed the lead of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and notified Heat officials Sunday of his intention to opt out of the final two years of his contract.
“Chris is one of the most versatile and dynamic big men in this league,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “We look forward to meeting with Chris … to discuss keeping him in Miami for many years to come.”
After the Finals, Riley called the notion of a Big Four, with Anthony joining the Heat trio, a “pipe dream,” but quickly added nothing should be ruled out. The Heat now have considerable flexibility to upgrade their roster.
Bosh opted out of his final two years, worth $20.59 million and $22.12 million. Should all three accept paycuts, the Heat conceivably could have the money to sign Anthony, if he’s willing to take less. The Knicks can pay him the most — $129 million over five years — but Phil Jackson has indicated he’d prefer Anthony accept a less-than-max deal.