The New York Knicks pulled the trigger on what was a long-awaited move and parted ways with President Phil Jackson. Jackson has caused months of turmoil in New York specifically over the span of this past season in which he has explored trades for his two stars Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.
While it’s safe to say Porzingis will stay put in New York, for now, the Knicks stance on Melo hasn’t budged even with Jackson’s departure. Following from Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical:
Sources: So far, departure of Phil Jackson hasn't changed MSG's mindset on Carmelo Anthony's eventual exit. Knicks want trade, not buyout.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 28, 2017
As Wojnarowski specified, the Knicks are not only looking to move on from the services of Carmelo Anthony, but they continue to refuse the disgruntled forward’s buy out request.
Though Phil Jackson is no longer in the picture, the Knicks are clearly ready to usher in a new era. While Jackson and Anthony didn’t have the best relationship during his stint in New York, it’s clear that the Knicks are truly interested in moving on from their veteran centerpiece strictly for basketball reasons.
At this point in the prolonged saga, a change is needed for both parties and we should still fully expect to see Melo in a different unform next season, regardless of the front office shakeup.
