Knicks Anthony to become free agent

As expected, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony will opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Anthony will file an official notice on Monday, according to multiple reports. Anthony would have been paid $23.5 million for his final year with the Knicks. Instead, he will test the free-agent market and could land in Chicago, Houston or Miami.

Anthony could re-sign with the Knicks for $129 million over five years if he signs with another team, his maximum deal would be worth $96 million over four years.

The 30-year-old Anthony played for the Denver Nuggets from 2003-2011 until he was traded to the Knicks in a three-team deal that also involved the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-foot 8-inch, 230-pound forward has averaged 25.3 points per game during his 12-year career.