Knicks’ Mike Woodson thinks Carmelo Anthony will stay in New York

Throughout the season, rumors of New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony’s impending free agency have been all over the map. The Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls could supposedly be players while others believe Anthony is busy recruiting players to join him in New York.

Whether or not he is recruiting on New York’s behalf, Knicks’ head coach Mike Woodson believes Anthony will re-sign with the Knicks and remain in New York for the rest of his career.

“In my heart, I don’t think [Anthony will sign with another team]. I think Melo will retire a New York Knick. That’s just my personal belief,” Woodson said on Wednesday in an interview with ESPN New York 98.7 FM’s “The Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco Show via Ian Begley of ESPN New York.

Anthony, who is averaging 26.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, can make significantly more money (about $36 million) if he stays with the Knicks in the summer.

“Yeah, you’re concerned. But again Melo is wearing a Knick uniform and I think Melo loves playing in New York,” Woodson told Smith and Ruocco. “He’s been one of the bright spots this year because he hasn’t taken any games off. He’s been solid through all of our ups and downs this year. To me, that’s the sign of a true pro. Melo’s trying to do all of the right things. We are now starting to get back healthy and we are playing a little bit better.”

The Knicks will be in Indiana to take on the Pacers Thursday night.