CHICAGO — Carmelo Anthony, trying to quell those who have criticized him about touting his free agency, made his boldest statement yet about wanting to remain in orange and blue.
Speaking to the TNT crew before Thursday’s game, Anthony said, “I want to retire in New York, I mean, let’s just be quite frank.’’
Anthony had created something of a firestorm when he said he was definitely going to opt out of his contract because he “wanted to be a free agent.’’
“I think a lot of people jumped the gun when I said I wanted to be a free agent,” he said. “And yeah, I want people to come play in New York. I want them to want to play in New York. I want New York to be that place where guys want to come play.”
Anthony said this week he has a “big black book’’ to recruit free agents.
Anthony, however, has never been a free agent and indicated in preseason he’d like the experience of being courted. He also hinted the Lakers would be the only destination that would make sense for his lifestyle and status. Anthony could have been putting the Knicks on notice to ensure they continue trying to build a title-contending team.