The New York Knicks have had a fascinating offseason so far, as Phil Jackson has publicly feuded with the team's two best players, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, and has put both of them on the trading block.
To this point he hasn't made a deal, however, as Anthony holds a no-trade clause, giving him all the power in negotiations, and no team was willing to meet the sky-high price for Porzingis.
Neither saga is all over quite yet, though, especially with Anthony, who Jackson would move this instant if possible. According to a report from Frank Isola, however, it seems that Anthony agreeing to any trade is unlikely, as the All-Star forward is "reluctant" to leave New York: Via the New York Daily News:
But things are complicated. Carmelo and his actress wife, La La, are estranged, and with Anthony having a close relationship with his only son, he is reluctant to move out of New York. According to a person familiar with Anthony's thinking, Carmelo is no longer enamored with playing in Los Angeles if it means having to be away from his son for an extended period of time.
Anthony, according to the same source, was toying with the idea of orchestrating a move to either Philadelphia or Washington, which would keep him close to New York. However, Anthony's mindset now is to stay in New York and play for the Knicks... even though Jackson doesn't want him.
If this report is true, it's bad news for Jackson, as he looks likely to be dealing with an unhappy Anthony for at least one more season.
The Knicks could try to buy out Anthony, but that would cost nearly $60 million, as Anthony is under contract this season for $26 million, and has a player option for next season worth just under $28 million.
Regardless of what the Knicks and Anthony decide to do, it's sure to be an interesting summer at Madison Square Garden.
