New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony signed a contract for less than the maximum amount of money he was eligible to receive, giving the Knicks salary cap flexibility to build a competitive team next summer. Knicks president Phil Jackson, meanwhile, is expected to use the free space to pursue potential free agents Rajon Rondo or Kevin Love.
After entertaining offers from the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls, Anthony ultimately agreed to remain a New York Knick. The perennial All-Star signed a contract for around $122 million, less than the $129 million payday he was eligible for, according to ESPN.
Jackson confirmed Anthony took a pay cut.
"He did exactly what we kind of asked him to do. Give us a break in the early part of his contract so that when we have some wiggle room next year, which is hopefully big enough wiggle room, we can exploit it, provide a more competitive team for our group," Jackson said Saturday, via ESPN.
New York is expected to make a run at Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo and Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love, if they are available in free agency next summer. New York has little cap room to make major improvements this season, but their books should be almost clear next summer to make a splash in free agency.
Although New York would have the space to sign either Rondo or Love, it's possible -- even probable --one or both of the players will be dealt to another team before the February trade deadline. Love recently has been linked to trade talks with the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics.
