Report: Noah Recruited Carmelo To Bulls Over All-Star Weekend

(CBS) It's time to add some more fuel to the fire that is the discussion of Knicks star Carmelo Anthony's future.

Now, ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that Bulls center Joakim Noah gave his pitch to Anthony over All-Star Weekend as to why Anthony should sign with Chicago in July. Anthony has said he intends to opt out of his contract this summer and become a free agent.

Said Broussard on Sportscenter:

Over All-Star weekend, I'm told by a person with knowledge of the conversation, that Joakim Noah recruited Carmelo. Now, you'll probably hear denials out of Chicago if they talk about it, because it would be tampering, officially.

But I'm told that Joakim said to Melo, "Look, you can go to Los Angeles. But if you want to win a ring, if you want your legacy to be about winning, come to Chicago."

Melo, I'm told, said, "Look, I've been watching you guys. I admire how hard you play. I admire how hungry you are. Oh, and by the way, my son's favorite player: Derrick Rose."

Anthony indirectly expressed respect for the Bulls on Sunday after his Knicks fell 109-90 at the United Center.

"They are always a team who's going to be there, who's going to compete, who's going to play hard," Anthony said. "

I don't know if it's (coach Tom Thibodeau's) system, but for whatever reason, they're always going to be there."

Even if Anthony is set on coming to Chicago -- and that's still very uncertain -- there would be salary cap complications. The Bulls almost certainly will have to move Taj Gibson and not bring European star Nikola Mirotic to Chicago if they sign Anthony, who would also might need to accept less than a maximum contract to play with the Bulls.