Carmelo Anthony is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract, but New York Knicks president Phil Jackson is reportedly not yet convinced that the superstar forward will test free agency this summer.

ESPN New York reported that Jackson recently talked to Anthony, and asked the 30-year-old All-Star to opt in to the final year of his deal this offseason, and test free agency next summer.

According to reports, Jackson wants Anthony to feel the changes that they will implement this season before deciding to test the market as a free agent. Jackson said that Anthony told him that he will think about it.

"I told him it might be a good idea to hang in here and see what it's like for a year and go out the next year," Jackson said. "But that's his option, that's what he's earned, and that's what's part of his contractual agreement. He has the right to do that."

Delaying free agency could work both ways for Anthony and the Knicks. The 11-year-veteran can assess the team's future next season, while the Knicks will have more time to prove that they will become a serious title contender in the next several seasons.

However, it could also backfire for Anthony if he gets injured next season because it will definitely hurt his value, but the NY Post reported that Jackson is planning to put an insurance policy in place to convince Anthony.

Jackson said that losing Anthony will change his plan for the team significantly. He admitted that Anthony's impending free agency is one of his top concerns, but he insisted that he is not losing sleep over it.

"I'm not losing sleep over it, but I'm definitely concerned about the idea of a guy going into free agency," Jackson said. "It only takes one bidder out there who has availability who can ruin your hopes and chances. We will survive it."

The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and the Dallas Mavericks are expected to pursue Anthony, who averaged 27.4 points to go along with 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists this season.

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