(Getty)
After basketball star Carmelo Anthony decided to opt out of his final year with the New York Knicks this past October, the decision that everyone has been waiting for has pretty much been made: Carmelo Anthony will be staying with the New York Knicks.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. He Will Be Signing a 5-Year $129 Million Contract With the Knicks
(Getty)
Unless Anthony changes his mind within the next 24 hours, he will be re-signing with the New York Knicks on Thursday, July 10 for $129 million.
According to RealGM Basketball, friends of Anthony said:
He will have something for everybody on Thursday. He is really torn because this is the biggest decision of his career. But he wants to get it done in New York. He told me he believes in Phil.”
2. Chicago and Los Angeles Were in Contention
(Getty)
Anthony had a really tough decision between the Lakers, Knicks and Bulls.
He believed that if he joined the Bulls he would have the best chance at winning a title and will have a great head coach, but on the other hand he will be playing with top players on the Lakers as a good friend to Kobe Bryant.
A source of SportingNews.com said before the decision:
Anthony “just wants to feel like he’s not all alone on the court.”
The most Chicago could afford to give Anthony was $70 million for four years, otherwise they would need to shift around the roster and create room for a cap that high.
3. He Opted Out of the Last Year of His Contract in October 2013
(Getty)
In October 2013, Carmelo Anthony opted out of the last year of his contract with the Knicks to be come a free agent, along with the $23.3 million he was under contract for. Before his decision, he had had a meeting with Phil Jackson that seemed to have him leaning toward staying with the Knicks, but he announced himself that he wanted to test out the opportunity.
He told media right after his decision:
It’s definitely an opportunity that I’m willing to explore and experience. That not whatsoever means that I’m not coming back to New York or I don’t want to be here in New York. So I don’t want nobody to get that impression.”
4. He’s Good Friends With Kobe Bryant
(Getty)
A main reason Carmelo was considering the Lakers was because of veteran and long time friend Kobe Bryant. Bryant was a huge roster draw for Anthony because of his dream to play alongside him.
Another reason L.A. looked good for Anthony was because his wife, La La Anthony is a reality TV star and it would benefit her career. However, the couple is known to be very fond of New York and where both her and Melo received a ton of attention.
5. The Lakers Offered a Max of $97 Million
(Getty)
After Carmelo’s meeting with the Lakers, it was rumored they were offering him $97 million maximum. The New York Knicks will be signing him for five-years and $129 million to beat out the Lakers.
