It's been several merciful months since we've seriously thought about the bruised and battered corpse of a basketball organization that is the New York Knickerbockers. All good things must come to an end, and so it is with a heavy sigh that we turn our attention back to the Knicks and their latest drama: Carmelo Anthony is reportedly planning to opt out of his contract with the Knicks and test the waters of free agency. Nothing is official until tomorrow, but everyone is confirming it anyway.

So much for the Phil Jackson wine-and-dine factor. The Chicago Bulls reportedly really want him, and a lot of other teams are interested but may or may not have the space for him (Dallas, Miami, Houston, Boston). This doesn't necessarily mean Anthony is leaving of course—he can still re-sign with the Knicks for a maximum contract worth $129 million over five years; he can only sign a max deal worth $96 million over four years with another team. If we've learned anything from Chris Tucker, it's that money talks.

And so we are left with lots of questions: is Melo just trying to get the Knicks to pay him the max amount, or is he actually interested in starting over in Chicago? Are there any other suitors who can afford him? What the hell kind of team would they be without Melo? If Melo leaves, will the organization blow up the team? Why the fuck did we trade for Andrea Bargnani? Are there any free agents who would be willing to come here at this point? Why are the Knicks so sad?