The Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make their pitch to Carmelo Anthony on July 1.

Sources said the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat could also join those clubs in pursuit of Anthony depending on what happens in the days before the start of free agency.

While the New York Knicks remain in the picture to re-sign Anthony, the Bulls are widely considered the early favorite.

Anthony, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade would have to take significantly less money for the Heat to be a viable option.

The Hawks would have to clear approximately $10 million to $12 million in salary-cap space to pursue Anthony, but sources indicate that is one of the many options Atlanta is considering.