According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony met with Phil Jackson about Anthony’s future in New York.
The President of Basketball Operations had a meeting with his start player. Only when it comes to the New York Knicks would that be news. Phil Jackson and Carmelo Anthony finally sat down and talked about Anthony’s future in New York. Or possible lack thereof.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Jackson and Anthony met Tuesday.
Phil Jackson met with Carmelo Anthony today and asked him if he wanted to remain with the Knicks, sources told ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 17, 2017
As Shelburne points out, the situation is made harder by Anthony’s no trade clause. A privilege that Jackson gave him when he gave him the contract back in summer 2014.
Melo has a no trade clause. So he'd need to waive that. No specific teams discussed. Everyone just processing now.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 17, 2017
Something encouraging. Per Shelburne, this meeting was more contentious than the previous between the two.
One source described the meeting as far more contentious than previous sit downs between Jackson and Anthony.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 17, 2017
The relationship between Jackson and Anthony took another hit last week when Jackson’s longtime friend Charley Rosen wrote a column detailing everything he believed wrong with the Knicks. Rosen’s answer was that the lion’s share of the blame should fall to Anthony.
Of course, this struck a cord with Melo. His boss was speaking negatively about him through the media and this time it wasn’t on television it was through a third party. It led Anthony to tell reporters after another loss against the Toronto Raptors, “If they feel like my time in New York is over I guess that’s a conversation we should have.”
It was the first sign that Melo had ever given that he was open to leaving. Although according to Shelburne Melo told Phil the same thing he’s been saying. Despite all the hate, he wants to be in New York.
As for what Melo told Phil, source says he reaffirmed his desire to stay in New York with the Knicks.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 17, 2017
In 41 games, Anthony averages 33.2 minutes, 22.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals on a slash line of .430/.358/.843.
Up Next: The Knicks visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
