The Chicago Bulls will do everything within their power to trade Carlos Boozer before they seriously consider using their amnesty provision on the final season of his contract.

The Bulls have until July 16 to amnesty Boozer this offseason.

Because the Bulls will have to pay Boozer's salary, the only incentive for amnestying him will be for cap space.

Phil Jackson is taking a relaxed approach, at least publicly, to whether Carmelo Anthony will re-sign with the New York Knicks.

"If it's in the cards man are we fortunate," said Jackson about Anthony remaining with the Knicks. "If it's not in the cards, man are we fortunate and we're going forward anyway."

Jackson has consistently spoken positively about Anthony's game.

Jackson also hopes Anthony will take less money to remain with the Knicks.

The Chicago Bulls were already feeling increasingly optimistic of their chances of acquiring Carmelo Anthony this offseason, according to sources, and the projected increase in salary cap for 14-15 improves their odds.

The Bulls would have to use their amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer, as well as moving other veteran salary to make Anthony a competitive offer.

The Houston Rockets are also confident that they can create space for Anthony.

Joel Anthony will exercise his player option with the Boston Celtics for the 14-15 NBA season.

Anthony will earn $3.8 million and become an unrestricted free agent in 2015.

Anthony was traded to the Celtics by the Miami Heat in January.

Carmelo Anthony will enter free agency after not reaching the playoffs for the first time in his NBA career. Anthony has been with the New York Knicks since February of 2011.

"I want to come back. I want to come back. But I also want to win," said Anthony.

"At this point in my career, I'm not concerned about the money," said Anthony.

The Knicks can offer five seasons and $129 million to Anthony.

"I'm not at the point in my career where I want to rebuild."

The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to make a maximum five-year contract extension offer to Kyrie Irving this offseason.

"I've been a part of this and I want to continue to be a part of this," he said. "We're making strides in the right direction, especially in this organization. I want to be part of something special, and I want to be part of something special in Cleveland.

"I don't have a definitive answer to that right now, but it'll be something special. I can guarantee that."

Irving was the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

"It's a big deal for me and my family if they do offer that. It would be exciting, and I'll make the best decision for me and my family. That's what it's going to boil down to for myself."

The New York Knicks signed Lamar Odom just 45 minutes before the deadline on a two-year deal.

The Knicks will have an option on Odom's contract for the 14-15 season.

The Houston Rockets will sign Josh Powell to a multi-year contract, league sources told RealGM.

Powell's contract for next season will be non-guaranteed, which sets up the possibility of a trade. The six-year veteran will be eligible for the postseason.

A two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Powell had spent the season playing overseas. He averaged 15 points and 9.9 rebounds in the Chinese Basketball Association.

Powell went to training camp with the New York Knicks in October.

The Chicago Bulls attempted to sign Kurt Thomas earlier this month before signing Lou Amundson and Greg Smith.

Thomas is now 41 and has not played since last season, considering himself retired.

Thomas played for nine teams in his 18 seasons as a pro after leading the nation in scoring and rebounding at TCU in 1994-95.

Lamar Odom and the New York Knicks are nearing a deal that includes a team option for next season, according to sources.

Odom is expected to sign this week, barring any unforeseen snags.

By signing Odom to a non-guaranteed contract for next season, the Knicks would want to use the extra time to see if they can get the veteran forward to the point where he could be worthy of a roster spot.

Odom has dealt with off-court issues since his departure from the Los Angeles Clippers last season.