Carmelo Anthony says he'd take less money to stay with Knicks

Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks reacts after a teammate scored a first-half basket against the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Carmelo Anthony said Friday his "first priority" is to re-sign with the Knicks and "without a doubt" he would take less money if it helps give them flexibility to bring in other players.
Anthony also said he plans to speak to Knicks management after the season about who he wants to play with and the type of players he wants on the team. He said if it gets done, he'll have "a long future" with the Knicks.
This was the most expansive Anthony has been about his future plans since saying he will opt out of his contract this summer and become a free agent. There has been speculation that Anthony could leave the Knicks because of the season they are having.
He did say during All-Star Weekend Media Day that this season has been difficult. But Anthony was asked if this would be his last All-Star Game as a Knick.
"Why you want to start that?" Anthony said. "I can't sit here and say this is my last All-Star Game as a Knick. I'd be shooting myself in the foot by saying that."
The Dolan family owns controlling interests in the Knicks, Madison Square Garden and Cablevision. Cablevision owns Newsday.


