Union: New York Knicks' Phil Jackson made "inappropriate" comments about Carmelo Anthony

Phil Jackson may be ready to part ways with All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, but the NBA Players Association has some serious issues with the comments made by the New York Knicks president.

"We voiced with the Commissioner today our view on the inappropriate comments by Knicks President Phil Jackson," NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts said in a statement released Saturday night "If players under contract cannot, under threat of league discipline, speak openly about their desire to be employed elsewhere, we expect management to adhere to the same standards. The door swings both ways when it comes to demonstrating loyalty and respect."

On Friday, Jackson met with the media after New York completed a dysfunctional fourth straight losing season of 31-51. He said Anthony "would be better off somewhere else" and said that the Knicks will continue to explore trade options for the 10-time All-Star.

"We've not been able to win with (Anthony) on the court at this time," Jackson said. "I think the direction with our team is that he's a player that would be better off somewhere else and using his talent somewhere where he can win or chase that championship."

Anthony, 32, and Jackson were at odds throughout the season because of trade speculation and constant criticism in interviews and online articles by Jackson's longtime confidant, Charley Rosen.

As the tension grew between the two, Anthony at one point said he wanted to remain with the Knicks and would not waive his no-trade clause.

"If somebody was talking bad about you indirectly at your job, what would you do?" Anthony said earlier this week. "You would feel a certain way. You would want that person to come straightforward with you. And I feel the same way. I'm a very honest person."

Anthony said after Wednesday night's final game of another disappointing season with the Knicks that he was "open" to be traded this summer.

Anthony averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 74 games in 2016-17, his sixth full season with the Knicks.