NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Would Consider Pay Cut To Remain With New York Knicks

Though the 2013-2014 NBA season hasn't gone according to plan for the defending Atlantic Division champion New York Knicks, recent news surrounding their star player could help lighten the mood moving forward. Despite indicating that he plans to opt out of the final year of his contract at the end of the current season, Carmelo Anthony told reporters that he would be willing to take a pay cut in order to remain with the Knicks. While playing on one of the biggest stages in sports is something that is undoubtedly gratifying for the former Syracuse standout, Anthony said his pay cut is contingent upon New York luring big-name free agents to Madison Square Garden.

“Without a doubt,” Anthony said when asked if he'd entertain the thought of taking less money to stay with the Knicks. “Any opportunity I have to build that up in New York, I'd do it. I told people all the time, always say, 'If it takes me taking a pay cut, I'll be the first one on Mr. Dolan's steps saying take my money and let's build something strong over here. I've never been a guy that comes into a situation, when it's not going well, to leave. That's not my personality. I'm going to make money. I have money. I'm good if I want to retire now. The money doesn't really matter to me. It's not my concern. My concern is to be able to compete on a high level, a championship level, coming in this last stretch of my career. I want to compete at that level.”

Indicating that he still has a strong passion to help New York win a championship, Anthony understands that he'll be a hot commodity once he hits the open market. While taking less to stay with the Knicks – who are currently 20-32 and 3.5 games behind the Charlotte Bobcats for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference – is one option, 'Melo could opt to latch on with the Chicago Bulls, who already possess strong talent in Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah and player-friendly coach Tom Thibodeau. The Los Angeles Lakers and L.A. Clippers have also been rumored landing spots for No. 7.

Anthony will compete this weekend in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game before taking the floor in the second half of the season to help the Knicks earn a playoff spot.