New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony dribbles the basketball up court in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden in New York City on January 27, 2017. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI |
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New York Knicks president Steve Mills acknowledged that Carmelo Anthony could remain with the team despite the organization's interest to pursue a trade involving the 10-time All-Star.
"We've been in contact with Carmelo's representatives. We've been in contact with other teams," Mills said Monday at a news conference to introduce new general manager Scott Perry. "Our view is if there's an opportunity that works for Carmelo and works for us, then we'll look at some kind of trade. But we also feel that Carmelo could easily be a part of our team next year.
"We're going to move forward so maybe with Carmelo or without Carmelo."
Mills also declared that the team would not pursue a buyout of the remaining years on Anthony's contract.
Houston has been Anthony's primary landing spot in trade talks of late, with the 33-year-old reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Rockets.
The Knicks are reshaping their front office after the departure of Phil Jackson as team president last month following three disappointing seasons.
In recent weeks, Anthony has prioritized his desire for a trade to the Rockets to join Chris Paul and James Harden over one to the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James, league sources told ESPN.
The Rockets are determined to complete a deal for Anthony and believe he is focused on playing in Houston next season, ESPN reported.
Anthony and Jackson feuded through the media with the Knicks mired in a rebuild. Anthony, who signed a five-year, $124 million deal upon Jackson's arrival, failed to meet Jackson's expectations and was criticized in a series of articles by longtime Jackson friend Charley Rosen.
The Rockets reportedly aren't being bashful about paying Anthony his guaranteed salary ($26,243,760) for the 2017-18 season, but the final year of that contract in 2018-19 ($27.9 million guaranteed) might be a roadblock unless the Knicks are willing to absorb a portion.
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, who obtained him from the Denver Nuggets at the 2011 trade deadline.
