Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports

This is what Carmelo Anthony did: Signed a five-year contract worth $124 million, one year and $33 million more than any other team could have offered, to stay with the New York Knicks, who missed the playoffs at 37-45 last season.

This is what Carmelo Anthony said: “I want to win. I don’t care about the money,” in an interview with ESPN, his first public comments since re-signing.

Anthony went on to say the Knicks’ rebuilding job was exaggerated, that they could turn things around quickly. But he also said his decision was between the Knicks and Chicago Bulls, who are expected to be title contenders next season without him.

So, this decision was about winning? Even Anthony knows the truth about the Bulls.

“That’s a situation where I could have walked in now to an opportunity to compete for the next however many years,” he said.

So what are the Knicks, then? Mediocre, at least at the moment. Anthony, though he sometimes draws harsh criticism for his score-first mentality, is coming off two of the best seasons in his career. But as was the case last season, he isn’t a universal balm, the type LeBron James can be.

The Knicks have very little financial flexibility right now, with the cumbersome final years of Amar’e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani’s contracts eating up a combined $35 million in their cap space. But there is a glimmer of hope, starting with Anthony, Knicks President Phil Jackson and coach Derek Fisher.

Everything hinges on next offseason for the Knicks. Can those three power players and very influential members of the NBA community convince another superstar to join up? We’re talking about playing home games at Madison Square Garden for an executive with 13 championship rings and coach with five.

“It’s a matter of me believing in the organization, believing in Phil,” Anthony said. “I wanted to go somewhere where I can end my career.”

The 30-year-old had every right to want to stay in New York. He was born in the city, as was his wife, La La. New York has a unique set of perks. That, and the money should help. There’s no reason to think Anthony will get another top-level contract offer in the future.

So the Knicks probably were the right team for him. He probably made the right choice. But winning right away?

“I feel like we have a brand-new team,” Anthony said. “It’s a new beginning. It’s excited.”

Give it a year. Then we can talk.