The New York Post is reporting that Carmelo Anthony is leaning towards re-signing with the New York Knicks and he may actually take a less than max deal in the process.
But The Post has learned there’s a distinct possibility Anthony will still decide to take a little less than the max.
One scenario would be Anthony starting at the max $22.4 million, but taking a 7.5 percent pay reduction in Year 2, as allowed by the collective bargaining agreement. That reduced salary for the 2015-16 season would give the Knicks a little more cap space next summer.
The Post is reporting that sources close to Anthony believe he simply wanted the Knicks to prove to him that they could upgrade the roster.
“I don’t think the money ever was the most important part,’’ the source said. “I think his concern was, could they make the team better this season? He is comfortable in the outer years, but needed to be convinced about the upcoming year.’’
Anthony has done his own bit of recruiting, and reportedly reached out to Pau Gasol.