NY Knicks Carmello Anthony Opts For Free Agency / Melo Wants To Become A Free Agent [MORE DETAILS INSIDE]

NBA star Carmelo Anthony isn't planning to play out the two final years on his contract with the New York Knicks.

Melo is looking to become a free agent and plans to exercise his contracts opt-out clause next summer. During a recent interview with the New York Observer Melo explained his plan.

"I want to be a free agent. I think everybody in the NBA dreams to be a free agent at least one time in their career. It's like you have an evaluation period, you know. It's like if I'm in the gym and I have all the coaches, all the owners, all the GMs come into the gym and just evaluate everything I do. So yes, I want that experience."

Melo explained that if he does choose to opt out his deal it wouldn't rule out a possible return to the Knicks.

"I came to New York for a reason," he said. "I've been with you all my life, almost to a fault. I wanted to come here and take on the pressures of playing in New York. So one thing I would tell my fans: If you haven't heard it from me, then it ain't true."

If he plays out his contract Melo would make $23.3 million in 2014-2015. According to ESPN, as a free agent, he would be able to sign a five-year, $129.1 million deal with the Knicks, or a four-year, $95.9 million contract with another team.

Through 10 NBA seasons, the first 7 1/2 with the Denver Nuggets, Anthony is averaging 25 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Last season, he led the NBA with a 28.7 scoring average while contributing 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

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