In an interview that aired over the weekend, but was taped a month ago, Carmelo Anthony spoke openly about his admiration for the success of the Miami Heat in constructing a Big 3.

“They were smart,” Anthony said. “I think it’s smart. It was their choice.”

Anthony will opt out of his contract to become a free agent on July 1.

“I’m not saying I want to go somewhere else,” Anthony said. “When I first got to New York I always told myself it would be a three- to 3½-year plan just to rebuild. I knew we took a step backwards as an organization for me to get here. So we had to rebuild.

“You’re not going to build a mansion in a year or two years. It takes time. That’s where I’m at right now.”