The New York Knicks reportedly received an ultimatum from franchise face Carmelo Anthony when the team once again failed to make it to the NBA playoffs in the 2015-16 season. Sources claim that the NBA All-Star warned the front office that the free agency deals they make this offseason will signify their commitment to keeping their promise of a creating a playoffs team built around him. With the recent deal that saw the Chicago Bulls let go of Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks, it looks like Carmelo Anthony is finally getting his end of the bargain.
With the devastating season of the Chicago Bulls, rumors are rife that major changes will be applied to their roster. In a surprising twist, the Jimmy Butler team actually followed through and shocked the NBA community by sending their beloved player Derrick Rose along with Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round draft pick to the New York Knicks. In exchange, the Pau Gasol squad got Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant. If this move already surprised the fans, then they would not believe what else is in store for the Chicago Bulls stars this NBA offseason.
"This wasn't a financial deal," said Gar Forman of the NBA trade that sent Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks. The Chicago Bulls general manager added, "This was a basketball deal. We like the players that are coming back to us. Free agency this summer will be so unpredictable because of the spike in the cap. I don't think anybody knows what to expect. We feel Lopez is a very, very solid center who is a rebounder, defender and can run the floor. He has high makeup and character and we feel is a real fit."
Rumors are rife that after Derrick Rose, the Carmelo Anthony team wants another veteran from the Chicago Bulls roster: Joakim Noah. The French man, who was visibly frustrated over the way Fred Hoiberg handled the team in the 2015-16 NBA season, is reportedly the next target of the New York Knicks. Speculations point to the lack of leaders in the Kristaps Porzingis roster as a possible reason for their NBA playoffs drought. Hence, bringing in a compassionate and strong leader, such as Joakim Noah, can definitely guide the New York Knicks into greatness.
In addition to Joakim Noah, the Chicago Bulls are also expected to lose Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson. The veteran stars, who were not shy about their comments on the disappointing season of the former Michael Jordan team, also expressed their discontent about who took on the leadership role in the Chicago Bulls last season.That is, Gibson and Gasol felt that Jimmy Butler and his attitude contributed to the lack of chemistry in the roster.
Even before the NBA Finals, a number of teams have already expressed interest in the veteran stars of the Chicago Bulls. Rumors are rife that Pau Gasol will heed the advice of brother Marc Gasol and join the San Antonio Spurs where he can retire gracefully alongside Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. Meanwhile, Taj Gibson is expected to try his luck in free agency.
