Knicks Rumors: Latest Buzz on Carmelo Anthony Trade, Free Agency and More
New York Knicks fans woke up to a surprise on Wednesday as Phil Jackson parted company with the Knicks—a twist in the offseason that didn't upset the faithful base. Of course, it's in bad taste to feel excitement after someone loses their job, but many felt Jackson hindered the team's progress and needed to go. Furthermore, the team will pay him $24 million for the remaining two years on his contract.
Jackson's sudden leave doesn't exactly solve the Knicks' issues. The former team president already damaged Carmelo Anthony's trade value, the club lacks direction days away from a critical free-agency period, which starts on July 1 and the Zen Master already drafted guard Frank Ntilikina with the triangle offense in mind.
Kristaps Porzingis stands as the only light for an entire city desperately waiting for another playoff appearance. In Jackson's three years as an executive, the Knicks failed to win 33 games in each season. The 2016-17 campaign started with hope and ended in flames.
It's anyone's guess how the franchise will move forward. We'll go through the latest on a potential candidate to take on Jackson's role, a free-agent target and Anthony's future.
Knicks Target Masai Ujiri as Phil Jackson's Replacement
The primary target to replace Jackson holds the same role with the Toronto Raptors, per The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski:
"Knicks owner James Dolan is targeting Toronto's Masai Ujiri to replace Phil Jackson as N.Y.'s President, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 28, 2017"
Masai Ujiri's executive resume stands out among his peers. He earned the 2012-13 Executive of the Year Award with the Denver Nuggets. The Raptors have made the postseason in all four seasons under his direction.
The well-respected executive helped broker the deal that sent Anthony to the Knicks from the Nuggets. He also dealt Andrea Bargnani to New York in a regrettable exchange on former general manager Glen Grunwald's behalf.
Ujiri elevated the Raptors and outsmarted the Knicks front office in the past. After inking a five-year deal with the Raptors in 2013, he signed an extension in 2016. Will he leave a playoff team for a club in chaos?
Carmelo Anthony Remains on Trade Block, Rockets Interested
Jackson goes, which means Anthony stays, right? Wrong. According to Wojnarowski, the Knicks still intend on trading the 33-year-old forward, but general manager Steve Mills or the new president will have to revive his stock value for a decent return:
After the Houston Rockets pulled off a blockbuster trade for Chris Paul, general manager Daryl Morey has his sights set on Paul George and Anthony to assemble another Big 3 to contend in the Western Conference, per ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon:
The link between Anthony and Paul could entice the Knicks forward to waive his no-trade clause. However, what assets do the Rockets have to offer in a decent deal for a player who can score 22 points per game and close out an opponent in the fourth quarter?
Unless Jackson has done irreparable damage to Anthony's value, the Knicks should look elsewhere for a trade partner. Though, the 10-time All-Star still holds all the leverage. Sources in his camp have expressed interest in a buyout, which enables him to choose a new destination as a free agent, per ESPN.com's Marc Stein, via ESPN.com reporter Ian Begley.
"Sources told ESPN's Marc Stein that Anthony's camp—while acknowledging Anthony's preference to stay close to his son—has tried to engage the Knicks in recent buyout discussions as it establishes the player's options," Begley said.
According to the report, Anthony would likely attempt to join LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, which allows the defending champions to keep their core together. One way or another, it seems like New York will move forward with Porzingis as its lone star in the Big Apple.
Mutual Interest Between Knicks and Jeff Teague
Jackson's exit sparked Jeff Teague's interest in leading the Knicks in a new direction, per Begley.
Teague doesn't bring star status to New York, but he's been selected to an All-Star team and notched a career high in assists per game (7.8) during the previous campaign.
With the Indiana Pacers losing Paul George in the near future, it's a perfect time for the 29-year-old point guard to reboot his career elsewhere.
What's the alternative? Before Jackson and Dolan decided to part ways, the front office expressed interest in re-signing Derrick Rose, per Begley.
Whether it's Mills or a new president, the person making the decision should view this as an easy choice. Do you want Teague coming off his greatest season as a passer or Rose after his fourth knee surgery?
As an 18-year-old, rookie Frank Ntilikina will need time to develop. For the upcoming season, the Knicks could establish the point guard position with a durable and quality talent in Teague. Once Anthony's situation settles, the team can begin planning a rebuild around Porzingis.
