NBA Rumors: Chris Paul supports Carmelo Anthony decision to stay with New York Knicks

Feb 7, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) grabs a rebound against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) grabs a rebound against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) grabs a rebound against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) grabs a rebound against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA trade deadline is almost here but mostly all of the talking New York is centered on a guy that won’t be leaving at the deadline but could be gone in the offseason. Carmelo Anthony is a virtually certainty to opt-out of his contract with the Knicks in the summer, but there is growing hope that he’ll sign a max deal with the Knicks and return in 2014-15.

One player that supports this idea is an old friend of Melo’s and a guy he’s rumored to possibly be playing with next year. Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul spoke about the situation in New York and says he supports Carmelo’s decision to stay in New York.

Per Marc Berman from the New York Post:

"“I know he loves it there,’’ Paul said when asked by The Post if Anthony will stay or go during All-Star weekend festivities. “His family loves it there. Most of all, he loves to play basketball there. Whatever he does, I’ll support him 110 percent.’’"

There’s still a chance that Melo leaves New York, but the tide has seemed to shift from being heavily for Melo leaving to heavily against such a thing happening.