New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony indicated on Friday he'd leave the Big Apple if it meant winning an NBA championship. He later clarified his comments by saying re-signing with the Knicks is his "first priority," and he'd be willing to take a pay cut if it'd help the team become title contenders.
Anthony, who can become a free agent in July, appeared on ESPN's "Sportscenter" on Friday and indicated he would leave New York if it gave him the best chance to win a title, BasketballInsiders.com reports.
"I want to win a championship," Anthony said on the show, via BasketballInsiders. "If I have to become a free agent in order to do that, then that's what I have to do."
When speaking with other media on Friday, Anthony seemed to clarify his comments on "Sportscenter" and declared his "first priority" is re-signing with New York. He also said he's open to taking a lesser salary if it frees up the Knicks financially to sign more talent in the future.
"Without a doubt," Anthony said on Friday, via ESPN. "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 [Knicks owner] Mr. [James] Dolan's steps saying take my money and let's build something strong over here.' ...
"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."
