There’s still a chance Carmelo Anthony may not become a free agent on July 1 after all. Knicks president Phil Jackson said he’s trying to convince Anthony to opt into the final year of his contract and forgo free agency for another year, and reports Anthony is mulling it. According to a source, Anthony’s contract states he has until June 23 to notify the Knicks whether he will opt out. In a 45-minute meeting with beat writers at the team’s Tarrytown facility Thursday, Jackson also confirmed Derek Fisher is on his list of coaching candidates, but he’s unsure Fisher is ready to move from Los Angeles to New York. Jackson added Steve Kerr, the previous front-runner for the job, gave him a verbal “commitment’’ before the Warriors job opened. During his late-April dinner with Anthony, Jackson revealed he suggested to Anthony the scenario of opting in, rather than becoming a free agent. Jackson said he still could offer Anthony an extension during that time under rules of the collective bargaining agreement. “I’ve told him it might be a good idea to hang in here and see what it’s like for a year,’’ Jackson said. “Go out the next year. That’s his option. That’s what he’s earned. It’s part of his contractual agreement. I just offered that this gives you an opportunity to see how this is going to change, how we’re going to get it going. “He said, ‘I’ll think about it.’ ” Read more http://nypost.com/2014/05/30/phil-jackson-to-carmelo-put-off-free-agency-for-a-year/
