Despite requesting to not talk about, Carmelo Anthony's pending free agency is headlining the NBA. Every team has the forward on their radar with everyone from the Chicago Bulls to the Los Angeles Lakers making their intentions to pursue him known. Despite all of the drama, New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson is more than confident Anthony stays in the Big Apple.
Speaking on ESPN New York 98.7 FM, Woodson went as far as to say he believes Anthony will retire with the Knicks at some point.
"In my heart, I don't think [Anthony will sign with another team]. I think Melo will retire a New York Knick. That's just my personal belief," Woodson said.
Retirement is a strong word, but the Knicks do hold the upper hand in negotiations for Anthony in free agency. Anthony can sign a five-year, $129 million deal in New York, averaging $25.8 million per season, or he could sign a four-year, $96 million deal elsewhere, making $24 million a season. some assume Anthony will stay for the money, while others predict he might pull a LeBron James and take a pay cut to sign with a team better set up to win.
ESPN.com reports the forward has toyed with the idea of making the jump to the Los Angeles Clippers to play with friend Chris Paul or Blake Griffin. He could sign with the Chicago Bulls and played with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. He could also head to the Lakers with Kobe Bryant. Both the Bulls and the Lakers have draft picks and cash to spend on surrounding players while the Knicks do not have a first-round draft pick for years.
"Yeah, you're concerned. But again, Melo is wearing a Knick uniform and I think Melo loves playing in New York," Woodson said. "He's been one of the bright spots this year because he hasn't taken any games off. He's been solid through all of our ups and downs this year. To me, that's the sign of a true pro. Melo's trying to do all of the right things. We are now starting to get back healthy and we are playing a little bit better."
Anthony has stated that he fully intends to opt out of his current contract and test free agency, but has not confirmed where he plans on signing of course. Right now, the Knicks sit at a disappointing 15-23 while injuries plague Tyson Chandler and JR Smith demonstrates on example of immaturity after another. While currently ranking second in the NBA in scoring, Anthony might decide to jump ship if things do not improve.