New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony told reporters he had a "great" meeting with Knicks president Phil Jackson, general manager Steve Mills and coach Derek Fisher. The Chicago Bulls, meanwhile, reportedly focused on acquiring Anthony -- not Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love -- in free agency this summer.
The pendulum continues to swing between whether Anthony will re-sign with New York or sign elsewhere in the summer, when he's expected to become a free agent. The latest bit of news ahead of Anthony's purported June 23 deadline to decide has the pendulum swinging in New York's direction.
Anthony told reporters he had a "great" meeting the Knicks' brass -- Jackson, Miller and Fisher -- and acknowledged he was pleased with the hiring of Fisher as head coach.
"It was a great meeting with Phil, it went well," Anthony told reporters on Wednesday during an SMS Audio promotional event in Manhattan, via ESPN. "... I like what Phil is doing."
While the meeting seemingly went well, Anthony is still expected to opt out of his contract on July 1. ESPN reported a source close to Anthony said the perennial All-Star's plans to test free agency haven't changed.
In addition to being Anthony's hometown, New York can also offer him the most money: $129 million over five years. Anthony, however, has insisted money won't be a factor in his decision, and Jackson reportedly wants him to take less than the maximum to help bring in more talent.
Chicago, meanwhile, is one of several teams -- the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks -- expected to pursue Anthony. Although Love and Miami Heat star LeBron James could become available in the summer, a report from Grantland's Bill Simmons indicated the Bulls only have eyes for Anthony.
