It seems that the tables have turned in the ongoing drama between the New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony, as the latest report from ESPN's Marc Stein indicates that Anthony and his camp are willing to talk about a buyout. However, now it's Phil Jackson and the Knicks who are reluctant to agree to a deal that would get Anthony out of New York.
League sources: Carmelo Anthony's camp, while acknowledging Melo's preference to stay in NYC, has tried to engage the Knicks in buyout talks
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 27, 2017
But league sources say that the Knicks have thus far resisted the idea of a Melo buyout that would clear the way for him to join the Cavs
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 27, 2017
Jackson has made it perfectly clear that he would like Anthony gone, saying a few months back that the Knicks would be better off with him elsewhere. Via ESPN:
"We've not been able to win with [Anthony] on the court at this time," Jackson said in April. "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."
But because the All-Star forward has a no-trade clause, Jackson has no leverage in these discussions. Any trade would have to be signed off on by Anthony, and teams will not be willing to give up much for a player who, despite still being an impressive scorer, is past his prime, especially when they know the Knicks are desperate to get him out of town.
With a trade unlikely, the other way to get rid of Anthony would be a buyout, but that would be very expensive for the Knicks, with Anthony still having two years left on his contract that would pay him more than $55M. Plus, a buyout would leave them with nothing in return for one of their best players, so it's clear why they would be hesitant to pull the trigger on that move.
