NBA Rumors 2014: Carmelo Anthony Prefers Signing With Chicago Bulls Than LA Lakers, New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony recently made headlines after setting the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden single-game scoring record when he erupted for 62 points against the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.

But despite stepping up his game a notch higher, talks about his impending free agency will not end as recent reports indicated that his historic game at MSG will not be a factor when he makes his decision next summer.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that most league executives believe that the All-Star forward will indeed leave New York via free agency next summer and will likely choose between the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to the report, the long-time confidant of Anthony confessed that he was quite sure before that Anthony will not leave New York, but has already changed his mind due to the uncertainty of the franchise and slim chances of winning an NBA title in the next few years.

And when pressed to reveal the likely landing spot for Anthony, the confidant of the 29-year-old forward confidently said that the Bulls are on top of the former Syracuse standout's list.

The Bulls made it no secret that they intend to make a big splash on the free agency market this summer. The Bulls recently traded Luol Deng and could use their amnesty provision on Carlos Boozer to create more cap space next summer, giving them the chance to nab another superstar free agent.

SEE: Chicago Bulls Planning To Form Derrick Rose-Carmelp Anthony Superstar Tandem

However, Anthony might still chance his mind if he'll consider the past history of the Bulls when it comes to prioritizing staying under the luxury tax lines over winning a championship. The health of Bulls superstar Derrick Rose is expected to become one of the major factors as well.

"No one can be sure of Rose's return to his MVP greatness, but everyone can be sure of one thing: The franchise's mandate isn't winning championships, but sidestepping luxury and repeater taxes to turn the fattest possible profits for the owner," Wojnarowski noted. "As the Bulls have let talented player upon talented player leave because of money - Omer Asik and Kyle Korver and Deng."

Previous reports suggested that aside from Anthony, Chicago will also make a strong pitch to Miami Heat superstar LeBron James if the reigning and four-time MVP opts out of his current contract.

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