Carmelo Anthony has expressed commitment to the New York Knicks, but the All-Star forward could change his mind in the offseason and leave the Big Apple.
Harvey Araton of the New York Times reported that Anthony could eventually decide to move elsewhere, depending on the transactions to be made by Knicks president Phil Jackson in the offseason. The Knicks are expected to pursue big-name free agents this summer, but all teams will have a shot due to the significant increase in cap space.
"Clearly, Anthony wants to stay in New York, but come July, he will be watching to see if Jackson can land an impact free agent -- not the best bet in a limited class and with impending cap space everywhere," Araton wrote.
Anthony, who is playing in the second season of his five-year contract worth $124 million, was mentioned in trade rumors before the deadline earlier this month but no deal materialized.
Related: Boston Celtics Wanted Carmelo Anthony But New York Knicks Superstar Turned Down Move
Before the Knicks can trade Anthony, the 31-year-old has to waive his no-trade clause. According to Araton, the 12-year veteran could eventually allow the Knicks to trade him to the Miami Heat in the summer. Chris Bosh's health could be an issue, but Heat president Pat Riley could convince Anthony by retooling their roster again.
"Pat Riley -- Jackson's Heat counterpart, fellow septuagenarian and rival -- will be more invested in retooling, not rebuilding," Araton added. "Riley would probably at least be able to promise Anthony a return to the playoffs, something Jackson, in all likelihood, could not."
The Heat did not make the playoffs last season, but Riley made roster tweaks last summer to improve their playoff chances. With 33 games left in the regular season, the Heat are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They also improved their roster after signing former All-Star Joe Johnson on Saturday.
More: Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks Battling for Joe Johnson
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