The Miami Heat have begun discussing the possibility of adding Carmelo Anthony in the summer to create a Big Four.

The concept would require LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to opt out of their current contracts and likely take further salary reductions in their new deals.

The Heat also are prevented from making any formal contact with Anthony until July 1 and can do so then only if he opts out of the final year of his current contract.

Anthony has until June 23 to notify the New York Knicks of whether he will opt out this summer.

James in particular is likely to try to recoup potential salary sacrificed through off-court business opportunities. 

James is doing very well financially due to endorsements and entertainment projects.

During the Eastern Conference Finals, sources say James was finalizing what is believed to be the biggest equity cash payout for a professional athlete in history as part of Apple's recent $3 billion purchase of Beats Electronics. Sources briefed on the situation say James realized a profit of more than $30 million in cash and stock in the Beats sale after he had struck a deal to get a small stake in the company at its inception in 2008 in exchange for promoting its high-end headphones.