Carmelo Anthony's Wife La La Says Melo Will Not Leave New York Knicks
NBA analysts and coaches are convinced that Carmelo Anthony will leave the New York Knicks when he hits free agency next summer, but the wife of the NBA All-Star forward said that her husband will not go anywhere next season.
La La Anthony said this week that her husband will test free agency next summer, but when pressed to talk about Melo's plans, she confidently said that the free-agent-to-be wants to stay in New York.
"I definitely think he will stay," La La Anthony said in a TV interview as reported by ESPN. "I know that he wants to stay, and I support him wherever he wants to go. Listen, I used to live in Denver with him. If I can live in Denver, I can live anywhere. I just want him to be happy."
New York is the logical choice for Anthony if the money offered in the Knicks' contract is his top priority, as the Knicks can offer a maximum five-year contract worth $129 million. Other teams, on the other hand, can only put together a four-year deal worth $96 million on the table under the new collective bargaining agreement.
However, NBA analysts are convinced that Anthony will prioritize the chances of winning his first NBA title over the amount of money that he can get.
The Knicks have been a disappointment this season after showing a lot of promise last year, which created speculation that the 11-year-veteran will eventually decide to leave.
Previous reports suggested that the Chicago Bulls could make a strong push to sign Anthony and pair him up with Derrick Rose, but it remains to be seen whether Anthony will be interested in joining up with the Bulls despite the uncertain future of Rose due to his troublesome knees.
The Los Angeles Lakers are viewed as another strong contender for Anthony should he decide to leave New York.
Lakers superstar guard Kobe Bryant, who previously said that he is open to playing alongside Anthony, recently stated that he will not actively recruit Melo to play in Los Angeles next season, but he is open to giving his good friend advice about his impending free agency.
See: Kobe Bryant Will Not Recruit Carmelo Anthony To Join Los Angeles Lakers
"I think that players, when that time comes, will have to make the best decision for them and their families. I try not to think about it too much. If he wants to call me for advice later as a friend, I will be more than happy to give it to him," Bryant said.