Carmelo Anthony might not want to discuss his pending free agency, but that is not stopping other players from weighing in on his upcoming future. During All-Star weekend, free agency was all the talk as multiple players have decisions to make about where they intend to play the next few years. After Anthony hinted towards his desire to remain in New York, several other players confirmed his likely return to the Knicks.
Tyson Chandler would certainly love for his teammate to be back for the long-term next season. While soaking in the All-Star weekend, Chandler noted that he does believe Anthony will re-sign with the Knicks despite the heavy amount of interest in him.
"The one thing that I know is he is locked in, and he is a Knicks," Chandler said, via Basketball Insiders."He showed that. When times were rough, he went out of his way to make sure that every guy was okay and that everyone understood we're in it together. If we're going to sink or go down, we're going to go down together. At the end of the day, we're going fight together and I appreciate that."
Anthony has stated he has no plans to seek a trade despite the Knicks' dismal season. The team still sits two games out of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot while ranking below .500 on the year. While he might not be seeking a move now, several players are hoping he wants to move later. However, marquee players are making note that they will not recruit Anthony at any point this season. Kobe Bryant told the Los Angeles Times that he has not discussed any moves with Anthony while Chris Paul is not even going to try because he predicts Anthony remains a member of the Knicks.
"I know he loves it there,'' Paul said, via the New York Post. "His family loves it there. Most of all, he loves to play basketball there. Whatever he does, I'll support him 110 percent.''
All signs point towards Anthony opting out of his contract and testing the free agent market, but he is hinting at re-signing with New York even if it means taking less money. The Knicks can offer the forward an extra year and $30 million more on a long-term deal, but if Anthony wants to play with winners he will need to take less money to free up space for other deals. The veteran would highly consider making that move.
"Without a doubt,'' Anthony said, via ESPN.com. "Any opportunity I have to build that up in New York, I'd do it. I told people all the time, always say, 'If it takes me taking a pay cut, I'll be the first one on [Knicks owner] Mr. [James] Dolan's steps saying take my money and let's build something strong over here.'"
