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Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony: “I want to be a free agent.”

By Jake Misener

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May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Brace yourselves, New Yorkers. According to the New York Observer, Carmelo Anthony wants the free agent experience.

"“I want to be a free agent. I think everybody in the NBA dreams to be a free agent at least one time in their career. It’s like you have an evaluation period, you know. It’s like if I’m in the gym and I have all the coaches, all the owners, all the GMs come into the gym and just evaluate everything I do. So yes, I want that experience."

Anthony, 29, is entering the prime years of his NBA playing career – and could be in for a serious payday. He is also expected to opt out of his current deal with the Knicks next summer, which would open the market for teams to pursue his services, something that many Knicks fans are rather uneasy about. However, Anthony admits that the Big Apple holds a special place in his heart.

"I came to New York for a reason. I’ve been with you all my life, almost to a fault. I wanted to come here and take on the pressures of playing in New York. So one thing I would tell my fans: If you haven’t heard it from me, then it ain’t true."

The former Syracuse standout was drafted third overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets and since coming to New York, has shown that he can stand the pressure the Big Apple brings with it. Last season for the Knicks, he averaged 28.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG and 2.6 APG, leading New York to the playoffs.

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