Carmelo Anthony: 5 potential landings spots as a free agent

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4. Chicago Bulls

If the Nets and Carmelo Anthony have history, so do the Chicago Bulls. When Anthony was a free agent four years ago, the Bulls were his strongest suitor, and it took everything Phil Jackson could offer — full maximum contract, player option, no-trade clause — to keep Anthony in New York.

Four years later, it’s not likely that the Bulls and Anthony will immediately seek out a marriage this time around. If Anthony is looking for a place to contend this season, then the Bulls are out. But if instead he is looking to have a starting role in a big city with a chance to improve, there are things to like about Chicago.

The Bulls have a gaping hole at the 3, with only restricted free agent David Nwaba around as a true small forward. Anthony is best deployed as a 4 at this point in his career, but could certainly still fill minutes at the 3, especially if Chicago is not set on making a serious playoff push this season.

This is not the sort of signing that will propel Chicago into the postseason, but it provides draw for a team that is without a star personality. For Anthony, he gets to return to a major metropolitan area for the season and get up shots, and potentially get paid the most by a new team to do so. Neither is a perfect fit for each other, but if Anthony’s top priority is not contending, then there may be something to the union.