NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony too old for a max deal?

Provided the Miami Heat’s big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh either decide not to exercise their Early Termination Options or quickly re-sign with the Heat, New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony will be the center of attention once free agency begins.

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Several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a play for Anthony and the Knicks obviously would like to hang on to him.

However, at 30 years old, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders wonders if Anthony’s age, 30, will have an impact on what kind of deal he gets.

"There are two numbers to think about as Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony prepares to enter free agency: 30 years old and $22.5 million.The first is Anthony’s age. The second is the amount of money he is eligible to receive as a first year salary in a new deal. That figure is not exclusive to the Knicks; he can receive that from any team he signs with either as an unrestricted free agent or in a sign and trade deal.To run the numbers, Anthony can get a maximum five-year, $129 million deal from the Knicks, or he can get a four-year $96 million deal from another team. For most players that fifth year is somewhat moot as the expectation is they’d get that money in their next deal; however in Anthony’s case that fifth year might really matter as its unlikely anyone is giving a 35-year old another $25-$28 million, although crazier things have happened."

Anthony averaged 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game last season.