Before Carmelo Anthony re-signed with the Knicks in 2014, the Bulls loomed as a real possibility in free agency.
Despite Chicago suffering through an up-and-down year, Anthony’s nightmare in New York could make him second-guess his decision.
If Bulls superstar and NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler has anything to do about how this year’s trade deadline plays out, there’s at least a chance he could push for the Knicks and Bulls to flip the script.
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According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Butler could make a recruiting call to help facilitate Anthony-to-Chicago news.
“That is half the battle,” Butler said about making a player from another team feel appreciated. “And I could still do that. Everybody knows what Carmelo can bring to a team. The dude is a hell of a player.
“But we have some things that we’ve got to worry about here first in the next few weeks [leading into the Feb. 23 trade deadline] before we go down that road.”
With that idea in tow, the Chicago Sun-Times threw out this idea for a blockbuster deal at the deadline.
The Bulls can send Rajon Rondo, Taj Gibson and their first-round pick to the Knicks for Anthony. It would give Jackson another draft pick, an expiring contract (Gibson’s) and a veteran point guard for next season with Derrick Rose a free agent.
Is that good enough to get the Knicks to move Anthony? Considering how little the return from the Clippers was in recent rumors and how hesitant the Cavs reportedly are about giving up Kevin Love, it might just be the best the Knicks can do.
The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 23.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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