It is well-known that Carmelo Anthony left the New York Knicks on questionable terms. From butting heads with coaches to sub .500 seasons, a split was necessary for both sides. Anthony showed his hand several times down the stretch saying he was willing to waive his no-trade clause just to leave. The former New York Knicks front office was more than willing to oblige. In an interview with the New York Times’ Marc Stein, Anthony reveals that Knicks’ former team president Phil Jackson was so fed up he was willing to deal the disgruntled forward “for a bag of chips”.
There were several instances throughout last season where Anthony was involved in trade discussions. The Cavaliers, Celtics, Rockets, and Thunder were all potential suitors in some fashion, but nothing materialized. Anthony says that the delay on his trade can be attributed to the low asking price from Jackson. “They went from asking for peanuts to asking for steak,” Anthony said. The man who replaced Jackson, Scott Perry, eventually asked for much more as Anthony alludes to.
Anthony’s relationship with Jackson was strained, at best. The two spoke “maybe twice” last season, according to Anthony. “There was no support from the organization,” he said. “When you feel like you’re on your own and then on top of that you feel like you’re being pushed out …”
The Knicks eventually did trade Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder in another conference-altering move. The two sides can go their separate ways peacefully, though certainly in opposite directions. The Thunder have a very talented team with MVP Russell Westbrook and fellow newcomer Paul George. The Knicks can now do what has been long expected: rebuild the right way.
