The recent news from Carmelo Anthony are not the best possible for New York Knicks fans. In fact, they could trigger some worries for the Knicks organization. Superstar Carmelo Anthony recently stated that he would like test free-agency next season this summer.
The megastar forward is will have the option to opt-out of his contract after the end of the upcoming season. At the moment, the rumor mill about his next team-destination is revolving and the discussions got even more intense after his recent statements. A potential signing with the Los Angeles Lakers was and still is in the center of the discussions. There is also a dream scenario that would bring Melo together with LeBron James in the City of Angeles. This would form a dynasty in LA and as long as Kobe Bryant will be able to play, he would act as the linking bond between the two eras. This of course is a scenario every Lakers fan can dream with but is not so easy to come to reality. On the contrary, the possibilities Carmelo leaves New York shouldn’t be neglected.
Certainly Anthony still remains focused on winning a championship with the Knicks this season. During the 2013-2014 campaign and the course of the Knicks team will certainly play a role in Carmelo’s future with New York. A tempting contract could of course assist in his re-signing, but it’s not the first and last thing the 29-year old forward is thinking of. If he decides to opt-out there still many chances he doesn’t leave New York. How?
Well, that’s exactly what happened with J.R. Smith this summer, when he opted out his contract only to re-sign a better contract with the Knicks a few weeks later. Carmelo might follow the same way to secure a maximum length on his contract. At least for now, New York’s fans should not be alerted.
The Knicks do stand good odds for the championship season. The team has to finally try and be effective in the playoffs, unlike all the previous years. They have the talent to support such a course. Certainly, they will need to get the most out of each player and that’s a grey point.
Can Amar’e Stoudemire stay healthy this season? Will he be able to play big minutes and retain a high level of performance? Or will be battle through injuries once again? What about J.R. Smith? Will he get back to his superb performance of the previous season after the injury?
Those concerns are really major for Mike Woodson and the Knicks this season. The answers of those questions will be played in the courts of the NBA this season and could be a determining factor to whether Melo stays or not.
The 2014 summer free-agency will definitely one of the most interesting of the past years as some of the biggest superstars will hit the free-agency and there is no clear indication about what their future will be. The moves from other star players could also affect Anthony’s decision. Until, then the main focus for him and the Knicks is the upcoming season.