‘Melo Opts Out

NEW YORK (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the details say that Carmelo Anthony has informed the New York Knicks he intends to become a free agent.

Anthony had a Monday deadline to terminate the final year of his contract. He filed the paperwork on Friday, one of the people told The Associated Press on Sunday on condition of anonymity because no official announcements were made.

Anthony has repeatedly said he planned to explore free agency this summer. Team president Phil Jackson told the All-Star forward after the season he may want to delay the decision and play out the final year of his deal, which would have paid him $23.3 million, but Anthony is going ahead with his previous plans.

He will be eligible to negotiate with teams starting July 1.