The Possibility of a Miami Big Four

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When the story first broke that the Miami Heat were planning to pursue Carmelo Anthony, I thought it was a  joke.  Four of the NBA’s top players on one team, who could beat them?  Unfortunately for the other twenty teams, that could become a harsh reality.  The Heat’s interest in acquiring Anthony is very real.

Once the Heat are done with the NBA Finals, they plan to aggressively pursue the offense juggernaut.  While it has to at least be intriguing for a guy like Anthony who has never even gotten a taste of the finals, he will also have to settle financially for a much lower contract.  The Knicks, who can offer him the most, have an advantage is Anthony solely cares about making a lot of money.  The team, however, will likely no be ready to make another run at a championship for at least another two years, when he will be 32 years old.

The Bulls are a team that has also emerged as a suitor who can offer a playoff caliber team and a decent amount of money.  With Derrick Rose hopefully being healthy to play next season and Joakim Noah’s dominance in the paint, Chicago is a threat to the Heat.

For the Heat, adding Anthony does not address their true needs of an upgrade at point guard and center.  Mario Chalmers has struggled in the finals and team will likely want to add insurance.  Two of the team’s top players, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, would likely see their minutes cut, especially Bosh.  Wade has already seen his minutes reduced to give him time to rest, but Bosh has played consistently all season.  Not to mention, Bosh, Wade, and Lebron James would all likely have to take pay cuts to add another star player.  This is something their competitors in the San Antonio Spurs know all too well.  Maybe after the series, Miami’s Big Three can consult San Antonio’s Big Three for some words of wisdom.  Anthony’s decision will have to made soon as his deadline for him to opt-out of his current contract is June 23rd.