DURHAM, N.C. -- Jason Kidd knows what Carmelo Anthony is about to go through.
The star New York Knicks forward, who can opt out of his contract after this season, is entering a year in which his future will be front and center.
With apologies to Deron Williams, Anthony would be the biggest free agent in the New York/New Jersey area since Kidd made his big decision in the summer of 2003.
"I think he should just concentrate on playing," Kidd said, adding that he would advise Melo to enjoy the experience. "[The Knicks] have a chance to win. There will be a time and place for him to go through it."
Anthony has said he will not discuss his future until the season is finished. Teammates Kenyon Martin and Raymond Felton strongly believe Anthony isn't going anywhere and will re-sign with the Knicks.
Kidd tried a few times to avoid talk about his future the season before he became a free agent. But back then, his future was a constant topic, especially due to playing in front of the New York media.
"That's true," Kidd said when told that Anthony's future will be brought up repeatedly while playing in New York. Kidd and Anthony were teammates last year with the Knicks. "I think he is a smart and a strong kid in the sense that he says, 'Look, I am not going to talk about it.' He is not going to talk about it."
Once Kidd became a free agent, he visited with the San Antonio Spurs and returned from a two-day trip torn over what to do. He opted to sign a six-year, $103 million contract to remain with the Nets.
If Anthony opts out, he can re-sign with the Knicks for a five-year deal worth $129 million. If he signs with another team, he can receive a four-year contract worth $95.8 million, according to calculations by ESPN salary-cap expert Larry Coon.
"This is his decision," Kidd said. "It has nothing to do with anybody else. [It's about] what he feels with what fits best and what he wants to accomplish in his career."
