Anthony reportedly staying with Knicks

Jul 9, 2014 - 9:03 PM New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - At least one member of this year's star- studded NBA free agent class will be staying with his old team.

The New York Daily News reported Wednesday that Carmelo Anthony will re-up with the New York Knicks once the league's free agency signing period opens on Thursday.

According to the Daily News, Anthony will receive a full maximum contract from the Knicks worth $129 million over five years. Sources told the newspaper that the seven-time All-Star turned down a four-year max deal from the Los Angeles Lakers in order to remain in New York.

The Daily News, citing a close friend of Anthony with knowledge of the situation, also stated that the 2012-13 NBA scoring champion has confidence that new team president Phil Jackson can build the Knicks back into a championship contender.

After reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2012-13, New York slumped to a 37-45 record this past season that triggered the dismissal of head coach Mike Woodson. Jackson hired recently retired point guard Derek Fisher to take over the position.

Anthony averaged 27.4 points, a career-best 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 77 games in 2013-14, finishing second to league MVP Kevin Durant in the scoring race.

In three-plus seasons since joining the Knicks in a 2011 trade with the Denver Nuggets, Anthony has averaged 26.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists.