New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony’s Reasons For Becoming A Free Agent

Carmelo Anthony going through his free-throw routine. Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule

"“I want to be a free agent. I think everybody in the NBA dreams to be a free agent at least one time in their career. It’s like you have an evaluation period,” exclaimed Carmelo Anthony in a recent interview."

Somewhere in the world, ESPN executives are grinning from ear-to-ear as they now have something to over-analyze for the next year.

Many people are questioning Anthony’s intentions in the whole ordeal. Does he really want to relive 2011 again? Does he really want to bring unnecessary and unwanted attention to a supposed championship contending team?

The answer is no, not really. There was a reason behind his assertion. Anthony was simply stating that he needs to win, and also — *cough cough* — he loves money.

We’ll start with the latter. Anthony, currently, has two years left on his contract worth nearly $45 million. In said contract, Anthony has an early termination clause for the summer of 2014. If, but more like when, Anthony decides to terminate his contract, one of his NBA dreams will be fulfilled and he will become a free agent.

As a free agent, Anthony would be eligible for a five-year, $129 million deal if he re-signs with the Knicks. If he searches for greener pastures, he could sign a maximum deal of four years and $95 million. Anthony is not lying when he says he wants to stay in New York. That is where the money is. It is where he can sign the biggest contract, it is the biggest market and it is where the endorsements are. But, for the first time in his career, Anthony’s decision may not be based on money.

Anthony needs to know the Knicks’ franchise is heading down the right path before he re-signs and the earlier the better. Anthony is in the prime of his career. If Anthony finishes out his contract and the Knicks cannot create the same magic as they did during the 2012-13 season, then two of his most prominent years may be flushed down the drain. Becoming a free agent allows Anthony to assess the situation early and make the best decision for his career.

Anthony’s decision to opt out also allows him to be wooed by general managers. Anthony has always wanted a star-studded team. He dreamed of bringing Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo to New York. He said “anybody would love to play with Kobe (Bryant),” and had to be giddy when he heard one of his good friends, LeBron James, wanted to play with him. Every general manager in the league is now probably putting together their best plan to persuade Anthony to come to their city.

But, before Anthony decides that the players around him are not championship worthy, he should first evaluate himself. Anthony is entering his 10th year and has only won one playoff series. His selfish play has him labeled a chemistry killer. He may have won the scoring title, but consider this stat. League and NBA Finals MVP LeBron James could have missed his last 348 shots and he still would have finished with a better shooting percentage than Anthony. Scoring may seem like everything in the NBA, but it is not. It takes more than being a great scorer to be a champion, something that Anthony needs to take into consideration.

Every team that Anthony has played for has gone as far as he would take them. Before worrying about money or the talent around him, maybe Anthony should worry about becoming the best basketball player he can be. Then, the rest will follow.

[slider_pro id=”20″]