The Knicks still like their odds of keeping Carmelo Anthony following their meeting in Los Angeles with Anthony and his agent Leon Rose on Friday night.
Despite a report Anthony was “leaning’’ toward leaving the Knicks because of interest from the Bulls and Rockets, Knicks officials did not seem alarmed, according to NBA sources.
According to a source close to president Phil Jackson, “The meeting went well — [Anthony] will still most likely opt out — but all in all, a good meeting.’’
The Knicks were informed about two weeks ago Anthony likely would opt out at the June 23 deadline and become a free agent July 1, despite Jackson’s suggestion he wait a year for free agency.
The Knicks are well aware Anthony wants to explore his options, but wonder if the Bulls and Rockets are capable of getting under the salary cap to make a real play. A Yahoo! Sports report branded the Bulls and Rockets as the front-runners, but both teams are over the salary cap.
However, they are more finished products than the Knicks, and Jackson’s blueprint of signing free agents with cap space in 2015 and 2016 is based on hope. The Knicks still want Anthony to take a pay cut despite no guarantee of signing star players, and Anthony’s agent could be putting the pressure on Jackson to up the ante.
The Rockets would have to trade former Knick Jeremy Lin and power forward Omer Asik without taking anyone back.
“It’s doable but very hard,’’ one league source said of the Bulls’ and Rockets’ scenarios.
The Rockets could engage the Knicks in sign-and-trade talks, but it’s unlikely Jackson would agree to that unless he could lose Anthony without compensation, say, to the Lakers, who are under the cap. However, the Lakers don’t appear interested unless they get a cut rate on an Anthony-LeBron James package.
Interestingly, last week on Huffington Post Live, Lin suggested he wouldn’t mind playing for the Knicks again, and praised new coach Derek Fisher.
“I’ve always said the New York fan base has embraced me like no other,’’ Lin said. “I definitely haven’t forgotten about it. I’m still extremely grateful for it and I’ve always said, if there’s a right opportunity, I definitely wouldn’t be like, ‘No, never.’ I for sure would be open to anything.”
Lin added about Fisher: “I think I could [play for him]. To be honest, I think anybody could. I think he just immediately commands your respect. He’s a great, great player, a proven winner. He’s very successful and he’s very knowledgeable. He’s been a point guard, he’s been a leader all his career.’’
The Yahoo! report said Anthony has no problems with Fisher, but just is not 100 percent sold on the Knicks’ plan.
Two weeks ago, Jackson admitted he preferred Anthony not hit the market.
“I’m not losing sleep over it, but I’m definitely concerned about the idea of a guy going into free agency,” Jackson said. “It only takes one bidder out there that has the ability and can ruin your hopes and your chances.”
The Heat also reportedly have emerged as potential suitors. Miami’s Big Three may opt-out and reorganize — with James pining to play with Anthony.