Carmelo Anthony will try his luck and test free agency this offseason.
Anthony’s agent, Leon Rose, confirmed Monday that the All-Star forward will opt out of the final year of his contract with the New York Knicks. Anthony stated in October that he desired to opt out of the deal after the 2013-14 season concluded.
The Knicks finished last season with a 37-45 record and missed out on the playoffs just one year after earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Even the Knicks hiring Phil Jackson as their new president was not enough to convince Anthony to stay in New York.
“Carmelo loves being a Knick, he loves the city and he loves the fans,” Rose said Monday, via ESPN.com. “At this stage of his career, he just wants to explore his options.”
The Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and even the Miami Heat are considered to be in play for Anthony. The forward already has done his research on the city of Chicago, as he spoke to one high-profile person on what it’s like to live there.
Anthony can sign a contract of up to four years and $96 million with a team that’s not the Knicks, but the 30-year-old has said he would take less than a maximum deal if it meant the team he signs with builds around him.
Teams can start meeting with Anthony on July 1. Let the games begin.
Photo via Twitter/@theScore
