The Carmelo Anthony, Knicks saga continues even after the team's season has already ended. In another round of verbal jabs, the New York Knicks President phil jackson did not hold back on his comments towards the team's star player. Far from a mere shade, Jackson directly revealed that New York is looking to trade Melo because they have "not been able to win with [Anthony] on the court." The All-Star got wind of the criticism and posted a cryptic message on Instagram. Is the drama too much for a reconciliation to happen in New York?
Carmelo Anthony trade inevitable with Phil Jackson's comments
Earlier this week, the former top three pick by the Denver Nuggets revealed that should the team build on his strengths and start having a winning attitude, he would consider staying in New York. Carmelo Anthony shared that he knew the team was cooking up something, hinting that NYK "might" trade him. It would ultimately be his decision though, as he has a no-trade clause in his contract.
"If everybody's committed to [winning], I'm committed to that too," Anthony told reporters after the New York Knicks final season game last Wednesday. "At this point, it's all on me."
However, in a not-so-shocking revelation, Phil Jackson confirmed that the team is pushing through with the Anthony Trade.
Talking to the media on Friday, the former Lakers and Bulls coach seemingly slammed the All-Star by saying his team has not won enough with him on the court. Jackson added that Anthony is better off joining another team to "chase that championship."
"We've not been able to win with [Anthony] on the court at this time," Jackson said.
"He's a player that would be better off somewhere else and using his talent somewhere where he can win or chase that championship."
Here's Phil Jackson on Carmelo Anthony: "I think the direction with our team is that he would be better off somewhere else."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 14, 2017
His statement cements all talks of a Carmelo Anthony Trade which have been swirling since the start of the NBA 2017 season.
Rumors hint at the New York-native possibly joining the Lakers or the Celtics. Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star, a three-time Olympic Gold medalist and an NBA scoring champion, has been with the New York Knicks for seven seasons. He and the team have failed to enter the NBA Playoffs for four straight seasons already.
Phil Jackson says he told Carmelo in the exit meeting, "You don't want to end up your career not winning" and he shouldn't want that label.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 14, 2017
"REALLY": Carmelo Anthony Instagram shade on Knicks
Phil Jackson's statements may have stirred more drama in the Big Apple. Following reports of the Knicks president's verbal jabs, Anthony posted a cryptic status and photo on his Instagram account.
The 32-year-old posted a photo of Leonardo DiCaprio in the "Great Gatsby" with the caption, "REALLY" and two laughing emojis and his signature #StayMe7o hashtag.
Carmelo Anthony seemingly responds to Phil Jackson on Instagram with a "REALLY" comment with two "crying laughing" emojis: pic.twitter.com/HQDLD10ObP
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 14, 2017
But it doesn't end there. During the interview, Jackson also noted that he believes Kristaps Porzingis isn't ready to be a franchise player yet. This statement, coupled with the drama with Melo, has pushed the Latvian athlete to skip the team's exit interview. Furthermore, the 7'3 forward-center was seen liking Carmelo's post.
Kristaps Porzingis skipped exit meetings due to frustration over dysfunction, drama surrounding NYK, team sources told ESPN. Story coming.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 15, 2017
The drama is almost too much for any professional sports league. How all the New York Knicks trade and drama will end, only the off-season can answer. It's true after all -- summer is serious in the NBA.
