Jimmy Butler & Carmelo Anthony have been teammates in international competition, and if Butler has his way, Melo could be joining up with Butler in Chicago; according to a story published by the Chicago Sun-Times:
Jimmy Butler talked to Carmelo Anthony three days ago.
It was a “catch-up’’ call, according to Butler on Wednesday.
What it should have been was a recruiting call, letting Anthony know that he’s still welcomed in a Bulls uniform if he goes ahead and waives that no-trade clause to escape New York.
Don’t, however, rule out Butler making that call soon.
“That is half the battle,’’ Butler said, when discussing making a player from another team feel welcomed. “And I could still do that. I think everybody knows what Carmelo can bring to a team. The dude is a helluva player.
“But I think that we have some things that we’ve got to worry about here first in the next few weeks [leading into the trade deadline], before we go down that road.’’
Back in the summer of 2014; Anthony almost joined Derek Rose & the Bulls before chasing the money and signing a five-year, $124 million contract with the Knicks…which was almost $50 million more than the Bulls were able to offer.
Can’t blame him.
If Butler is able to convince Anthony to waive his no-trade clause (which might not be that difficult given Anthony’s tumultuous relationship with Knicks president Phil Jackson), Anthony could be instant offense for a Bulls team that desperately needs scoring…he could also be a lazy ball stopper who only gives effort on one end of the floor.
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 23 at 3pm, there’s still some time for Anthony to mull offers; if any come his way.