According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, New York Knicks‘ Carmelo Anthony remains committed to his team no matter what.
At this point in 2015-16, the New York Knicks (18-22) were 20-20 and talking about a playoff push. Now they’re four games under .500, and despite Thursday’s win over the shorthanded Bulls, conventional wisdom suggests they prepare for the future. That means trading Carmelo Anthony. If he’ll let them.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders says Anthony’s not interested.
Per Kyler:
“A source close to Anthony says he’s unwilling to green-light a trade out of New York, even with how bad it’s turned.”
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Many fans think the team should blow things up and rebuild around Kristaps Porzingis, but Kyler says that Anthony’s loyalty remains to New York. At this point, that loyalty has become detrimental to the franchise.
On Thursday, Anthony’s close friend Dwyande Wade told reporters that the nine-time All-Star would stay in New York.
It won’t be easy to trade Anthony. Only a few teams would be willing and able to take on his $25 million salary. The 32-year-old is past his prime, averaging his lowest field goal percentage (.425) since his rookie season and he’s 75th out of 80 small forwards in defensive real plus-minus.
The Knicks visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 3:30 p.m. ET.