New York Knicks general manager Steve Mills stirred controversy when he was spotted laughing while watching Carmelo Anthony’s workout tape during the team’s Summer League game in Orlando, Florida. Footage on NBA TV showed Clarence Gaines Jr., the top adviser of former Knicks president Phil Jackson, showing his cellphone to Mills and retired NBA player Allan Houston what appeared to be Anthony’s Workout video.
Gaines, Mills, and Houston can be seen laughing and shaking their heads while watching the video. Former Knicks developmental coach Chris Brickley posted Anthony’s workout video on his Instagram account.
It shows Anthony doing running drills on a soccer field in Chelsea, Manhattan around 1:45 a.m. Sunday.
When asked about the footage of him and Mills laughing at Anthony’s workout, Gaines reacted angrily and told reporters "I’m not commenting on that — get the f**k out of here with that." A source told the New York Post that the three were laughing at Brickley and his accent while he was shouting instructions at Anthony during the drill.
Anthony willing to waive no-trade clause for Rockets, Cavs
The development came at a crucial time when the Knicks are working out a trade involving Anthony to the Houston Rockets or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Earlier, Anthony declared that he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause if he’s shipped to either the Rockets or the Cavaliers.
Before Jackson was fired as team president, the Knicks planned on buying out the remaining two years in Anthony’s contract. But the team changed its mind after firing Jackson, insisting that they must get something in return for Anthony. The Rockets offered sweet-shooting forward Ryan Anderson for Anthony but the Knicks turned it down as they don’t want to be saddled with the remaining $61 million and three years remaining on Anderson’s contract.
Also, acquiring Anderson will take away some touches from Kristaps Porzingis, who is also an outside shooter.
Knicks interested in Spurs’ Jonathon Simmons
Ian Begley of ESPN reported that the Knicks plan to pursue San Antonio Spurs restricted free agent Jonathon Simmons. Begley said the Knicks already reached out to Simmons, who is also actively talking to two other teams interested in his services.
Before this, Marc Stein of ESPN mentioned that the Spurs were planning to offer a deal for Simmons at $9 million a year. Aside from the Knicks, the Clippers also plan on going after Simmons.
The Spurs have the right to match any offer that Simmons receives during free agency. When Kawhi Leonard went down with an injury, the 27-year-old Simmons stepped up, scoring in double figures in the Spurs’ last seven playoff games. He scored 22 points against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals and averaged 10.5 points per outing throughout the playoffs.
