NBA Free Agents 2014 : Carmelo Anthony Says He'll Take Pay Cut to Stay With New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony squashed rumors suggesting that he has already made up his mind to leave the New York Knicks when he becomes a free agent in the offseason.

Anthony told reporters on Friday that he is leaning toward staying in New York, and he is willing to take less money from the Knicks in order to give the team enough room to build an NBA title-contending roster.

"Without a doubt," Anthony said when asked if he is amenable to taking a pay cut, ESPN reported. "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 Mr. Dolan's steps saying take my money and let's build something strong over here."

Anthony, who already announced his plans to test free agency this offseason, would earn more if he decides to stay in New York instead of signing elsewhere.

The Knicks could offer a five-year deal worth $129 million, while other interested teams can only put a four-year offer worth around $96 million on the table.

The All-Star forward insisted though that the financial aspect of the deal is not the reason why his priority is to re-sign with the Knicks, saying that his concern is to finally win his first NBA title soon.

"As far as the money, it don't really matter to me," Anthony stressed. "If I go somewhere else, I get paid. If I stay in New York, I get paid. As far as the money goes, it's not my concern. My concern is to be able to compete on a high level, a championship level, coming in this last stretch of my career. I want to compete at that level."

If Anthony accepts a pay cut and he re-signs with the Knicks this summer, the team will be in a better position to land a superstar free agent in the summer of 2015.

Previous reports indicated that the Knicks are planning to pursue Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo and Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love, who could become free agents in 2015 if they don't sign contract extensions with their respective teams.