As far as Carmelo Anthony is concerned, he has no plans of leaving New York.
This was the gist of the meeting that the many time US Olympic team member had with Knicks President Phil Jackson. According to a report published in SB Nation, Anthony requested for a meeting with Jackson twice regarding his future with the team. In that meeting, the nine-time All Star expressed his desire to stay and win in New York.
Anthony requested for the meeting in response to Jackson's insinuations that the team is better off without him.
"I really don't know how to take that quote. I try not to insinuate anything when I hear that quote. The only person who knows what he is really talking about is Phil." Anthony said. The star forward has repeatedly stated that he has no plans of waiving his no-trade clause.
As reported by USA Today, the 33-year old Anthony had long been rumored to be on the trading block after the team has not qualified for the post season since 2013. His five year contract that runs until 2019 is worth $124 million includes a no-trade clause which means that Melo has to approve any movement.
Jackson and Anthony first had a meeting in December after the former Bulls coach criticized his star player for holding the ball too long during offensive sets. When asked if he still has plans to build the Knicks around Anthony, Jackson refused to make a direct answer.
"You know, the thing about Carmelo is we came here and had a discussion, it is all about communication and the fact that he wants to stay here. Those are two things that are real important to him." Jackson said.
An article in Bleacher Report bared that the Knicks is planning to build its team around upcoming rookie Kristaps Porzingis, which is one of the main arguments that could be made in having Melo stay in the team. This was likened to the Kobe Bryant situation that slowed down the development of the Lakers' 2015 first round pick D'Angelo Russel.
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