Carmelo Anthony will become a free agent this summer, and while most experts are convinced that the All-Star forward will leave New York Knicks, there are some who believe that he will stay in the Big Apple.
Chicago Bulls beat writer Sam Smith is one of those analysts who are convinced that Anthony will stay in New York as he indicated in his recent report that the 29-year-old forward has a grand plan in mind.
According to Smith, Anthony, who is growing frustrated in New York due to the Knicks' well-documented struggles, will opt to sign a long-term deal with the Knicks this summer because Miami Heat superstar LeBron James will be New York-bound in 2015.
"Carmelo Anthony is not going anywhere as a free agent this summer. That's because next summer LeBron James is going to join him in New York," Smith noted.
James can actually become a free agent this summer if he decides to opt out of the final year of his deal with the Heat, but Smith speculated that the four-time and reigning Most Valuable Player will likely wait for his contract to run out in 2015.
Doing so would fulfill his goal of playing alongside Anthony in New York because the Knicks will have cap space to sign him to a max deal by then, while also acquiring other free agents to bolster their title chances.
"Say Anthony signs his long term extension with the Knicks this summer, which many believe will occur. After next summer, the contracts of Amar'e Stoudemire, Andre Bargnani and Tyson Chandler will expire. That would give the Knicks salary cap space for a maximum deal for someone like James," Smith noted.
Smith noted that James could also boost his stock if he decides to play alongside Anthony in the Big Apple, pointing out that winning a title in New York will be even bigger than his first two titles with the Heat.
"You win in New York and your reputation and legacy is enhanced like it can be nowhere else. After all, the Knicks won two titles more than 40 years ago and just about every starter got into the Hall of Fame," Smith wrote.
