Carmelo Anthony Rumors No Longer Speculation: Bulls or Knicks His Choices

Yahoo! Sports Mark J. Spears is reporting that Carmelo Anthony is asking to be traded before the season starts, and is specifying his preference to go to either the Chicago Bulls or the New York Knicks.

The Anthony to Chicago Bulls rumors are no longer just wild speculation, there is now actual substance.

For either team the trade would cap a Summer where they'd thought that their consolation prize was already won. Adding Anthony to either franchise would be a spectacular coup. 

However, at this point it seems that Chicago is the more likely option.

According to Spears, they could offer Deng, and Taj Gibson or James Johnson, or perhaps all three.

The Knicks don't have as much freedom and would be hoping to sign Anthony next year during the offseason. 

If Anthony were to join the Bulls roster, he would fit nicely with the existing players. A team with Derrick Rose at the point, Ronnie Brewer at the shooting guard, Anthony as the small forward, Boozer at power forward and Noah at center.

The starting five would rival those of the Heat and the Lakers for the best in the NBA, and make the Bulls one of the favorites to win the NBA Championship. 

Another encouraging thing Bulls fans can take from the report is why Anthony wants out, which is because he is concerned about the future of the Nuggets.

Between Chauncey Billups aging, and Coach George Karl's health issues, along with several expiring contracts, Anthony appears concerned about the team not being in contention.

Considering the youth and financial stability the Bulls currently have, the prospect of a long and bright future playing with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah should seem attractive to Anthony.

It is likely that if he were to be traded it would happen before the season starts.

According to Spears, the Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri, has not met with Anthony face-to-face since August 31.

According to a report by ESPN last week, the Nuggets were not looking to trade Anthony and weren't taking any calls on the matter.

However, in the same ESPN report, it was said, "one source close to the situation insisted last week that a trade could materialize quickly enough that Anthony might never wear a Nuggets uniform again,” Denver isn’t obligated to do anything drastic before the February trading deadline.  

Still, as training camp approaches, things could be changing and this report is a sign.

If Anthony is wanting out, and everyone knows it, then his value will be dropping.

The longer he remains unhappy, the lower his value goes.

Additionally, once the season starts, his value will drop even more.

Ujiri should know it's in his best interest to let the star go while he can get something for him.

A full training camp and season with Anthony is far better just half a season. If you're a Bulls fan, this is a good sign.