Carmelo Anthony may not be talking to the media about his upcoming summer of free agency, but he is apparently talking to Jason Kidd about his pending decision. The New York Knicks star will have the option of taking his talents elsewhere at the end of the season and while everyone in the world is wondering what he will decide, the forward is staying quiet. However, Kidd is offering up advice to Anthony when asked.
Kidd has been through this before. He made a big free agency decision back in 2003 so he knows what Anthony is going through. He played the game with the media, attempting to avoid the discussion during the season as people questioned his future. Kidd made several visits to teams before opting to sign with the Nets. Now he is advising Anthony during his time.
"I think he should just concentrate on playing," Kidd said, via ESPN.com. "[The Knicks] have a chance to win. There will be a time and place for him to go through it. This is his decision. It has nothing to do with anybody else. [It's about] what he feels with what fits best and what he wants to accomplish in his career."
Anthony has a few options he can pick from. The forward can re-sign with New York for a five-year deal worth $129 million. He can receiver a four-year deal worth $95.8 million from other teams if he decides to opt out of his contract. The Los Angeles Lakers will likely make a big run for Anthony, as well the Dallas Mavericks.
For now, Anthony is keeping his mouth shut, something Kidd believes is very wise. The new Brooklyn Nets head coach believes that the New York media makes the entire experience very tough and Anthony is smart to simply focus on the season ahead.
The Knicks have added fire power to their roster in hopes of keeping up with the likes of the Miami Heat and the newly re-designed Nets. With Metta World Peace now on the team, the Knicks could appear more physical on the court. However, MWP believes it will be the team's decision making that dictates their season, not their aggressiveness.
"All that old physical stuff that all these fans are talking about, I'm from New York, it's not winning championships," MWP said. "[You] have to bring some type of intelligence and you have to be together. That's the only thing that's important. I don't care about being just a physical team. You have to be both."
