New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony's camp reportedly may have leaked details of his talk with Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah as a reminder to the Knicks about upcoming free agency. One source told USA Today Sports Noah's supposed recruiting pitch to Anthony was "overblown."
Chicago made headlines last week when details of a conversation between Noah and Anthony leaked. The conversation, reportedly held during the All-Star weekend in February, included Noah telling Anthony the Knicks star's best chance to win a championship is in Chicago.
Although neither player denied the report, a source on Saturday told USA Today Sports the conversation was exaggerated and may have been leaked by Anthony's own camp.
Per Sam Amick of USA Today Sports:
"Yet one person with knowledge of the discussion told USA TODAY Sports that the extent of the talks were overblown and even intimated that Anthony's camp may have made a point to share their chat with the world as a way to remind the Knicks he is considering leaving that extra contract year and about $30 million behind by leaving New York this July. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks."
ESPN's Chris Broussard first reported the conversation between Noah and Anthony.
"The conversation between Anthony and Noah started as a discussion about what it's like to play for Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. ... From there, the discussion turned to Noah telling Anthony he should join the Bulls," Broussard wrote on Thursday. "... The sources said Noah told Anthony something to this effect: You can go to Los Angeles, but if you really want a ring, if you really want your legacy to be about winning, you should come to Chicago.
"Anthony responded by telling Noah that he admires how hard the Bulls play and how hungry they are. Anthony also told Noah, according to sources, that Derrick Rose is his son's favorite player.
"Sources said Rose also wants the Bulls to add Anthony and would be willing to help recruit him if he is asked to do so."
Media outlets, including Yahoo Sports, have reported Chicago's interest in signing Anthony, who can opt out of his contract and become a free agent after the season.
