Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors Pull Chicago Bulls Back Into Mix

Carmelo Anthony, still a Denver Nugget (against all odds), might never escape the trade rumor mill. Yahoo!‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the lull in action on a trade to send ‘Melo to the New Jersey Nets has led to Anthony’s agents attempting to pull the Chicago Bulls back into the mix.

The Bulls were reported to be an early contestant in the ‘Melo sweepstakes, though Chicago’s actual interest in landing the All-Star forward was never truly ascertained. The Bulls, after all, find themselves in the No. 3 spot in the top-heavy Eastern Conference, a legit challenger for an NBA Finals berth as star guard Derrick Rose comes into his own and the high-dollar frontcourt works itself out. (That latter detail has been derailed by non-simultaneous injuries to both of said big men, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.) But Chicago could use some extra offense. The Bulls have the league’s No. 1 defense, but rank just No. 19 in offense.

Woj reports that William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley will visit Chicago this week, allegedly to broker talks. Wesley is the leader of CAA, the agency that reps Carmelo Anthony and many of the NBA’s biggest star. Wesley also serves as Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau’s agent.

Back in the fall, the Nuggets were believed to have wanted Noah in any ‘Melo trade with the Bulls. Noah has since signed a five-year, $60 million extension that kicks in next season. That makes him quite a bit more difficult to trade. Woj reports the Bulls also seem wedded to losing Luol Deng’s mighty contract in any ‘Melo deal, which makes sense considering that both Anthony and Deng are true small forwards who deserve starters’ minutes.

The Clippers, in desperate need of a small forward, were previously considered a potential Deng landing place.

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