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Carmelo Anthony is staying with the New York Knicks.

Anthony has decided to remain in New York, choosing the Knicks over a number of teams that could have given him a better chance for the championship he craves.

The All-Star forward met with Chicago, Houston, Dallas and the Lakers, but has informed the Knicks he will return, a person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press on Saturday on condition of anonymity.

The Knicks offered Anthony a maximum contract worth nearly $130 million over five years, about $35 million more than any of his other suitors under NBA rules, though it's unknown what the final terms of his deal will be.

Anthony came to the Knicks in February 2011 after a trade with the Denver Nuggets. He led the NBA in scoring in 2012-13 and was second last year but is more interested in team success, so he spent the last two weeks considering other homes.

But the combination of the millions more the Knicks could offer and the chance to keep playing on basketball's biggest stage was too hard to pass up for Anthony, a New York native who spent months trying for a trade to his hometown 31/2 years ago.

Gasol joins Bulls

The Chicago Bulls recovered quickly after losing out on Anthony in free agency, landing Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol to bolster the team's offense.

Gasol announced on his Twitter account on Saturday evening that he reached agreement with the Bulls. The exact terms of his agreement with the Bulls were not immediately clear. The Bulls and Lakers had reportedly been discussing sign-and-trade options earlier in the day Saturday, but no official announcement from either team had been made..

LeBron gets 2-year deal

First, the Cavaliers got LeBron James' word. Then they got his signature.

James signed a two-year, $42.1 million contract with the Cavs on Saturday, a day after he announced he was returning to play in Cleveland and try to end the city's 50-year championship drought. The deal provides flexibility for the NBA's biggest star, with the league's maximum salary expected to rise in the future.

Around the leage

Cavaliers • Cleveland acquired center Brendan Haywood and forward Dwight Powell from Charlotte for guard Scotty Hopson and cash considerations. A 12-year veteran, Haywood has played in 794 NBA games, averaging 6.9 points and 6.1 rebounds. He missed all of last season with a broken foot.

Lakers • Jeremy Lin is still on his way to Los Angeles, even after the Houston Rockets failed to land coveted forward Chris Bosh in free agency. The Rockets still plan to execute the trade that will send the point guard to Los Angeles for cash.

Spurs • San Antonio re-signed guard Patty Mills. The San Antonio Express-News previously reported it as a three-year deal. The Spurs also signed first-round draft pick Kyle Anderson to his rookie contract.