New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony says his 2003 NBA Draft peers LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were smart to team up in 2010.

In an interview with Ahmad Rashad for NBA TV, Anthony acknowledged the great job that the Big Three in Miami has done while also addressing the state of his own team.

"They were smart," Anthony said as quoted by NY Daily News. "I think it's smart. It was their choice."

He also said he will opt of his contract to become a free agent on July 1, 2014, giving him the opportunity to follow the footsteps of the Miami Big Three and join another superstar in pursuit of a title.

"I'm not saying I want to go somewhere else," Anthony said. "When I first got to New York I always told myself it would be a three- to 3½-year plan just to rebuild. I knew we took a step backwards as an organization for me to get here. So we had to rebuild."

He also expressed patience on the Knicks, saying it will take a while before they contend for a championship. "You're not going to build a mansion in a year or two years. It takes time. That's where I'm at right now."

Interestingly, the interview was filmed last month when the Knicks were 3-5. Right now, the team is one of the worst in the East with a record of 8-18.

"I think I still have a lot of time in this league," he said. "All I care about is winning a championship."