The New York Knicks have all the makings of a full rebuild, but now they are about to take a huge step backward. Carmelo Anthony is expected to not only opt out of his current contract but he is also expected to leave New York to pursue a championship.

Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Carmelo is expected to leave New York in pursuit of a championship.

"His heart is in New York," one source familiar with Anthony's thinking told Yahoo Sports, "but he wants a chance to win now.”

Rumors have circulated that the Miami Heat will make a legitimate run at Anthony, but Wojnarowski reports that the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets are clear favorites to land Carmelo. There are those who believe that Phil Jackson is simply going through the motions to keep Anthony to please the Knicks fan base, but he has no intention of keeping the Knicks’ star.

There has been no talk of a potential sign and trade to help the Knicks regain some assets in the event of losing Anthony, but the NBA off-season isn't even in it’s infancy yet. Carmelo Anthony has until June 23 to make his final decision concerning his contract with the Knicks, but it looks to be all too clear that he will be opting out.

[Yahoo Sports]

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