As for the Bulls, they still haven’t heard anything from Anthony the last few days, and had been holding out hope, even with a Daily News story on Wednesday night that had the forward returning to New York in order to get the maximum five-year, $129 million deal.
All the Bulls could offer the free agent was four years, near the $75 million mark, unless a sign-and-trade could be agreed upon. According to a source, however, as of Friday the Knicks remained unwilling to help the Bulls out in any way with a sign-and-trade, basically telling their star that if he wants to leave for Chicago they won’t lend a hand in making up the $54 million he would be leaving on the table.
The Lakers were believed to be a third team the Bulls could possibly get involved in a sign-and-trade, but if Anthony is kissing them goodbye, why would they want to now pitch in?
Either way, the Bulls have continued to keep their talks with Pau Gasol alive and well going into the weekend, especially if Anthony is in fact returning to the Big Apple.