‘Melo expected to test free agency later this month, with Bulls and Rockets also interested.
The Miami Heat are reportedly looking into the possibility of trying to grow their so-called ‘Big Three’ into a Big Four, according to ESPN sources.
While their more immediate focus is still on the NBA Finals, a series in which they currently trail the San Antonio Spurs 2-1 ahead of Game 4 on Thursday night, there are talks within the organisation over their plans for the summer.
The team’s leading players are understood to be considering their options in order to help the franchise create sufficient financial flexibility to make an ambitious run of landing New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.
However, the idea of bringing ‘Melo to Miami would require LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to all take further salary cuts after opting out of their contracts, while the Heat would also have to wait until July to make contact with Anthony as it is reported he has until June 23 to notify the Knicks of his intentions.
James’ off-court business ventures are understood to be a significant part of his desire to help the organisation make things such as this dream scenario happen, and along with new opportunities in endorsements and entertainment projects his wealth is set to expand further in the coming years.
Miami will need co-operation from their stars and role players such as Udonis Haslem and Chris Andersen but they could potentially open up in excess of $50m in cap space this summer and have the most financial flexibility in the league.
However, it will be a complicated process and it is not at an advanced stage yet as much will depend on whether or not Anthony decides to leave New York.
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