The New York Knicks have made it clear that Carmelo Anthony isn’t part of the team’s long-term plans.
Yes, Carmelo Anthony is still a member of the New York Knicks even though he wants to be traded to the Houston Rockets. Knicks general manager Scott Perry said on Thursday that Anthony isn’t in the team’s long-term plans.
In a post on the Official MSG Blog, Perry says that the Knicks are rebuilding around their young core. Anthony wasn’t one of the players mentioned.
“There are no shortcuts. Reshaping the Knicks as a championship contender will be a step-by-step process, and along the way, the plan will demand patience, as our young core of Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Willy Hernangómez, Frank Ntilikina and Ron Baker mature.”
Wednesday, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported that Anthony was “cautiously optimistic” about being traded to the Houston Rockets before Monday. The Rockets seem to be the only team that Anthony will waive his no-trade clause for, but the Knicks don’t want to take forward Ryan Anderson back in a deal.
The Knicks have missed the playoffs the last four seasons and don’t believe they can rebuild around a 33-year-old Melo.
“The Knicks don’t want him, and Melo doesn’t want to be there,’’ an NBA executive told Marc Berman of the New York Post. “It’s a great story for the media.’’
So, Melo, it’s time to start thinking what teams besides Houston you’ll play for because a trade to the Rockets isn’t happening and the Knicks don’t want you.