Carmelo Anthony is aware that he has some star power. As the New York Knicks star gets closer to free agency, everyone is watching his every move. Other pending free agents are waiting to see where Anthony signs to before figuring out their plan for the future. While already stating he would opt out of his current contract, Anthony is seriously considering a return to the Knicks, even at a discount.
Anthony and the stars have descended upon New Orleans for the All-Star Game. Of course every media outlet is picking Anthony's brain trying to figure out what he is thinking for free agency. The forward notes that he would consider taking a pay cut with the Knicks if it meant the team could attract big players alongside him.
"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.'"
Anthony says that despite the Knicks terrible record, his first priority is a return to New York. The Knicks are 12 games under .500 and currently 2 1/2 games back from the final spot in the Eastern Conference. Anthony is making it known that he has no plans to jump ship at this point in the season.
A return to the Knicks would certainly mean more money for Anthony. Under the collective bargaining agreement, if Anthony opts out of his contract and then re-signs, he can earn a max contract worth $129 million over five seasons. Any other team interested in acquiring the guard could only offer a four-year deal and about $30 million less in salary. Anthony says money is not his concern. He is worried about signing other pieces around him.
If Anthony accepts a little less money with the Knicks, something he told ESPN he is considering, the forward will be doing some recruiting for New York. The Knicks are trying to set up for a big free agency run in 2015 if Anthony re-signs. The first two players on their list is Kevin Love and Rajon Rondo who will both be free agents. Anthony plans on using his star power to recruit the best.
"I have a chance to attract some people to come to New York," Anthony said. "I think playing in New York -- and everybody saw this last year, how electrified that city was. The organization, the team, how much fun we had as a team when we was playing good basketball. So I want to kind of bring that back to New York. And if I can become a free agent to make that happen, then I want to do that."
