New York Knicks News and Rumors 2013: Mike Woodson Tells Carmelo Anthony To Stop Talking About Free Agency

Carmelo Anthony announced on Wednesday that he will opt out of the final year of his contract with the New York Knicks - a decision that did not  go over well with Knicks coach Mike Woodson.

In an interview with Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Woodson had a piece of advice for the superstar forward, saying that Anthony should stop talking about free agency and focus on their campaign in the upcoming 2013-14 NBA season instead.

"If he's going to test it, he's got to test it. That's on him," Woodson said. "But at this point, he's got to worry about this season and this season only, because that's what's staring him in the face."

Anthony was reluctant to talk about his plans earlier in the offseason, but the 29-year-old forward surprisingly announced that he will be testing free agency next offseason, creating speculation about his possible departure this summer.

"It's definitely an opportunity that I'm willing to explore and experience. That not whatsoever means that I'm not coming back to New York or I don't want to be here in New York. So I don't want nobody to get that impression," Anthony said.

The former third overall pick, who led the league in scoring last season with his 28.7 points per game average, is reportedly one of the top two targets of the Los Angeles Lakers next summer along with Miami Heat superstar LeBron James if the reigning MVP also decides to opt out of the final year of his contract.

But while Woodson sounded disappointed with Anthony talking about free agency this early, the veteran coach believes that the reigning scoring champion will not be distracted by his current contract situation.

"It shouldn't weigh on him. Melo's going to be fine. He's put himself in a great position. We're expecting big things from Melo. It's been that way since I've been here, and it's not going to change. He's a major centerpiece of what we've done here the last few years. That's important. His performance weighs heavily on this season," Woodson said.