The Miami Heat reportedly plan to pursue New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony in free agency. Miami hopes stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will take pay cuts in the summer to make salary cap space for Anthony and create a "Big Four," according to ESPN.
While Miami is three games away from a third straight NBA title, the organization is already looking ahead to the future.
Per ESPN:
"Sources told ESPN.com that Heat officials and the team's leading players have already started to explore their options for creating sufficient financial flexibility to make an ambitious run at adding New York Knicks scoring machine Carmelo Anthony this summer in free agency.
"The mere concept would require the star trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to all opt out of their current contracts by the end of the month and likely take further salary reductions in new deals that start next season to give Miami the ability to offer Anthony a representative first-year salary. ...
"With cooperation from their stars and role players Udonis Haslem and Chris Andersen, who also possess player options for next season, the Heat could open up in excess of $50 million in cap space this summer and have the most financial flexibility in the league."
While the aforementioned players would lose millions over the next few years by accepting pay cuts, they may be willing to take the losses in order for a larger window at winning titles.
James, who entered the league in 2003 with Anthony and remains a close friend with him, is believed to want to join forces with the Knicks star before their careers are over.
Anthony reportedly has until June 23 to inform New York if he plans to opt out of his contract; James, Wade and Bosh are eligible to become free agents on July 1.
