Carmelo Anthony doesn’t want to be a Knick. New York doesn’t want to employ Carmelo Anthony. Neither side has been very ambiguous about those facts. Anthony would have been traded to God knows where by now, did he not a have a no-trade clause. He wants to go to Houston, but the Knicks haven’t been able to get what they want from the Rockets. Knicks President Steve Mills said Friday that the team expects Anthony to be present at upcoming events:
“Our plan is that Carmelo will be with us on Monday at our marketing day and media day and be with us on Tuesday when we start practice”
General Manager Scott Perry handled a follow-up question regarding what Anthony’s role will be:
“Look, we’re excited to have–– if Carmelo’s going to be back here, Carmelo’s always been a professional. That’s one thing I’ve always respected about him. I think he can set a good example for the young players. He’s been a 10-time All-Star. So if he’s back here with the New York Knicks, we expect him to be the professional that he’s always exemplified throughout his career and move forward with it.”
There has, understandably, been some speculation about Anthony potentially skipping training camp. The Knicks have made it quite clear that he isn’t a part of their future. He will, of course, be fined should he skip camp. So, that’s probably more or less his only incentive.
