Players like LeBron James and Dwight Howard set a new standard in free agency when they opted to accept less money to sign with teams who had a chance at winning. While the Los Angeles Lakers were certainly trying to keep Howard with big money, he signed with the Houston Rockets for less and a shot at a championship. James did the same with the Miami Heat. Now, Carmelo Anthony is considering making a similar move, something James is praising.
Anthony made headlines over the weekend when he hinted that he would be willing to take less money with the New York Knicks in order for the team to sign other big free agents to rebuild the roster. Anthony is well-aware that the Knicks are strapped for cash and salary cap space which will in fact limit their opportunities to bring in help for the future. James has made that move before and respects Anthony for considering the same thing.
"What I got out of it is, he wants to win,'' James said, via the New York Post. "Everyone says they want to win, but that's what it's about. With the talent they have, you could be 'Wow, look at their record.' But there's very good teams in our league and you can't just base it on last year. You have to play. I think it's shocking for them. I know their record won't be the team we play [Thursday].''
James said he is not concerned what things like the Raymond Felton arrest will do for the Knicks' franchise. He is simply concerned about Anthony and how it will impact his future. The guard has said that his optimism is running thin for the team and the Felton arrest is just strike against New York when it comes to free agency. While the Knicks can offer the most money to the free agent and have the backing of a big market to attract other stars, they are not winning. When asked about the drama, Anthony simply said, "Same thing, different day."
Dwyane Wade has also been in Anthony's shoes and sympathizes with his friend. The Heat guard took notice that Anthony was reserved about the entire situation during the All-Star Weekend and he credited the veteran for handling his business as best he could.
"He seemed mellow,'' Wade said. "He's going through a lot in his life off the court and on the court. He was just chilling and mellow, enjoying the moment with family rather than getting out to the festivals. I'm sure it's very tough. After every game he gets asked that question about free agency, so this is a tough year to go through that. I know he loves New York, I know he loves playing in and for that city. And he proves it every night he goes out there. That's all that matters."