It's likely that Carmelo Anthony's free agency tour has worried the Knicks' front office. Team officials traveled out to Los Angeles yesterday after Anthony's meeting with the Lakers and offered him a maximum contract worth $129 million.
The unique aspect of the Knicks' attempt to lure Anthony back to Madison Square Garden is the fact that they can offer him $34 million more than any other team in the NBA. The largest contract another team can offer the all-star is a $95 million over four years, as opposed to the $129 million over five years the Knicks can provide.
It was reported that the Lakers offered Anthony the four-year deal worth $95 million, but the myriad of opportunities provided to the free agent are likely overwhelming. This week Anthony met with the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the New York Knicks. All of these options are interesting, which is why it was reported that he would take the weekend to think it all over.
The Knicks' offer, however, was verbal. There was no contract put in front of Anthony for him to sign in Los Angeles, but it's known that Phil Jackson - the Knicks' president - is a man of his word, so Anthony is probably not concerned. Carmelo's immediate concern is winning a championship, and although money is likely to play a role in the decision, it's likely not a primary factor. Compared to the other teams he has met with, the Knicks are in the process of revamping their roster and there is no telling what it will look like before the 2014-2015 season and beyond.
The Bulls, Mavericks, and Rockets all possess rosters that can contend for an NBA title (but they cannot offer him maximum deals as of now), and the Lakers have Kobe Bryant and significant cap space to lure other stars to the Los Angeles franchise if Anthony were interested in making such a move. But New York is a special case. Anthony was born in Brooklyn. He always dreamed of becoming a Knick. The franchise is in dire need of a star to lead them to a championship, and if Anthony can do it he would end the 41-year-and-counting drought and become a legend in the city.
But at this point it is unknown what the 30-year-old plans to do. He always reiterated that he wants to stay in New York, but he's going to need some reassurance that the Knicks have future plans to build a formidable roster around him. For now, everyone will have to wait.
You can read more about the Knicks' offer to Carmelo Anthony in this ESPN article.
