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Report: Melo Likes What He Hears From Jackson, Knicks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Knicks have to feel good about their chances of keeping Carmelo Anthony.

The superstar free agent is "largely aligned" with team president Phil Jackson's grand plan after Thursday's meeting with Knicks brass, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

The Knicks got the last word following Anthony's visits this week with the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony asked "direct questions" to Jackson and head coach Derek Fisher, and came away with "increased confidence" in the franchise that traded for him in 2011, Yahoo Sports reported.

Jackson reportedly offered Anthony a maximum five-year, $129 million deal. Other teams can only offer him around $96 million over four years.

But the 30-year-old said prior to opting out of his deal with New York that money wouldn't be the deciding factor. He wants assurances that he'll be playing for a contender.

A source told Yahoo Sports that Anthony "just wants to feel like he's not all alone on the court."

He also wants to be needed. And Jackson & Co. "made it clear" his presence is key "to have a chance to attract star players," Yahoo Sports reported.

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