Carmelo Anthony's decision could end up being the first significant domino to fall in free agency, and the race to land the prolific scorer has taken an interesting turn. The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as serious contenders to sign Anthony, making a "major" impact on him during their meeting Thursday, according to multiple reports.
NBA free agency 2014: Lakers make ‘impact’ with Carmelo Anthony, Eric Bledsoe opens negotiations with Suns
The holiday weekend is nearly over and NBA free agency could be headed toward a huge week once Carmelo Anthony makes his decision.
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What from the Lakers' pitch caught Anthony's attention? The proposed teaming of Anthony, Kobe Bryant, No. 7 pick Julius Randle and a re-signed Pau Gasol, along with financial flexibility in the future, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne:
The Lakers pitch -- of teaming Anthony with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, prized rookie Julius Randle on a team with no long-term salary obligations -- made what one source described as a "strong impression" on Anthony and has made his decision over the holiday weekend "tough" according to another source close to the situation.
The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks are both still considered frontrunners in Anthony's decision, and this rumor could be a play by his camp to gain leverage from either team. The Lakers are willing to offer Anthony a four-year, $97 million contract and do not have to make any additional roster moves to fit him under the salary cap.
Anthony is expected to make his decision after the July 4 holiday weekend.
Eric Bledsoe opens negotiations with Suns
Rich Paul, the agent of restricted free agent guard Eric Bledsoe, and the Phoenix Suns are in the "early stages" of their contract negotiation, reports Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears. Bledsoe has not signed an offer sheet, becoming a secondary target as teams wait for Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James to make their decisions.
The Suns have explored the possibility of signing both James and Anthony this summer and have held out on committing to Bledsoe. The 24-year-old is coming off a great season with the Suns, having a career year in his first season as a full-time starter. He averaged 17.7 points and 5.5 assists per game through the 2013-2014 season.
The Luol Deng market
Free agent forward Luol Deng has become a hot commodity for teams trying to load up their rosters with impact role players, and that includes the Miami Heat. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and Heat president Pat Riley met with Deng Saturday, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski
The Heat would need Deng to sign a salary-cap-friendly contract, however, and the free agent is not expected to accept a significant discount, reports ESPN’s Chris Broussard.
The Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and Bulls are also said to have interest in signing Deng, who is seeking roughly $12 million per year, according to USA TODAY's Sam Amick.
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