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Carmelo Anthony Sticks With Knicks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's official: Carmelo Anthony is returning to the Knicks.

The Knicks' star forward released a statement on his website, ThisIsMelo.com, on Sunday announcing that he will re-sign with the team.

"A few years ago I dreamed of coming back to New York City, the place of my birth, and on February 23, 2011 that became a reality," Anthony wrote. "This organization has supported me and in return, I want to stay and build here with this city and my team. At this pivotal juncture in my career, I owed it to myself and my family to explore all of the options available to me. Through it all, my heart never wavered.

"I will always remember this chapter in my life," he added. "In the end, I am a New York Knick at heart. I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams. Madison Square Garden is the mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world."

The Knicks confirmed the news on their website.

"After three months of questions around Carmelo Anthony's return to the New York Knicks, we are now happy to know that we have the cornerstone of what we envision as a 'team of excellence," Knicks president Phil Jackson said on the site.

Terms of the Anthony's new deal were not disclosed. According to published reports, it is around five years, $120 million deal.

Anthony to the Knicks was first reported by the Daily News earlier this week, but the seven-time All-Star and former scoring champion apparently was taking extra time to really consider all of his options, which reportedly included offers from the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.

However, the perceived biggest threat to the Knicks, the Bulls, decided to go in another direction, reportedly using their limited cap space to go after former Lakers center Pau Gasol.

Anthony averaged 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists last season. He made 45.2 percent from the field and a career-high 40.2 percent from 3-point range.

The Knicks won just 37 games and missed the playoffs one year after winning 54 games and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

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