In tonight's Knicks news update, New York Knicks president Phil Jackson has advised superstar Carmelo Anthony not to test free agency in 2014 - promising him it will be worth the wait.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, "Jackson revealed on Friday that he had advised Anthony not to opt out of his contract on July 1 and instead wait until July of 2015 to give the Knicks added salary-cap flexibility to acquire two “headline players.”'
Jackson's not going to try and bully him into staying, however.
“I told him it might be a good idea to hang in here and see what it’s like for a year, and go out the next year,” Jackson said, via Isola's piece. “But that’s his option, that’s what he’s earned, and that’s what’s part of his contractual agreement. He has the right to do that. But I just offered that as: ‘Look, this gives you an opportunity to see how this is going to change, see how we’re going to get going, your relationship to the team and the coach and the system or whatever.’”
According to Jackson, Melo said he'd "think about it." He has repeatedly indicated that he would opt out, potentially trying to secure a max extension from the Knicks as soon as he can.
Anthony could also be waiting for the Knicks' next move when it comes to the team's coaching search before making a decision. If the right coach and situation presents itself with the Knicks, Anthony could soften his stance when it comes to opting out.
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