NBA Rumors: New York Knicks may be only team to offer Carmelo Anthony max contract

By Josh Hill | Feb 24, 2014

Feb 21, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after stepping out of bounds with less then a minute to go in regulation with the game tied as the Orlando Magic beat the New York Knicks 129-121 in double overtime at Amway Center. Anthony had a game-high 44 points. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks failed to do a single thing at the trade deadline and have only been cutting players since then, not adding them. After dumping Metta World Peace and Beno Udrih in buyouts, the Knicks continue to look at ways they can improve the team and keep Melo in New York through this season.

While the Knicks struggle to find help, it may turn out that all they need is their pocketbook to keep Melo in New York as there might not be as much max contract competition on the market as we think. According to Steve Kyler from Basketball Insiders, the Knicks may end up being the only team willing to offer Melo a max contract this summer.

"Sources close to the situation say that the Knicks are likely the only would-be suitor for Anthony willing to meet the full $22.45 million per year starting price on a new contract."

This makes sense, seeing as the Chicago Bulls don’t want to tie up too much money in one player other than Nikola Mirotic this summer and other teams may be holding off so they have cash for a loaded 2015 free agent class that includes Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.

Melo may still elect to go elsewhere for less money, but the Knicks appear to be the only ones willing to offer him more than anyone else can.

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