The hapless New York Knicks cannot wait for the season to be over, but nobody is as excited as Carmelo Anthony. The star forward has an upcoming meeting with team president Phil Jackson, where the two will likely look to part ways. In talking with the New York Post, Anthony delivered more evidence that his split with the Knicks is becoming more and more likely – and necessary.
“The chips will be on the table,” a half-smiling Anthony said of his upcoming meeting with Jackson and the Knicks front office. “The chips will be on the table in that meeting. I mean, I don’t know what to expect, but I got a good feeling. Chips will be on the table.” Carmelo also anticipates to play in the remaining games of the season after missing two with knee and back pain.
Anthony of course is implying that he wants out of New York this offseason. It is just the latest in cryptic comments from Carmelo, though it is hardly a secret that he is greatly displeased with his current team. In just the last few months, the Knicks lost Derrick Rose to yet another knee injury, were eliminated from playoff contention, went back and forth on the triangle offense, and threw a former player and fan-favorite out of Madison Square Garden. Even Scottie Pippen sounded off on how the ineptitude of the Knicks rests in the hands of his former coach Phil Jackson. Sounds like the status quo.
It is pretty evident that Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks need to part ways. Anthony is not the future of the franchise anymore, that resides with Kristaps Porzingis. It will be difficult for Jackson to move Anthony, though he likely will not have much of a choice. Carmelo turns 33 next month and is owed $54 million over the next two seasons with a 15% trade kicker. He also holds a no-trade clause, meaning any move Jackson makes will have to go through Anthony first. These factors alone will make it difficult to trade the disgruntled star. “Difficult” is the only way the Knicks do business though.
