Knicks' Carmelo Anthony says he doesn't expect to win a title this year
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony doesn't expect the team to win a championship this season, Anthony told Puerto Rico newspaper Primera Hora.
Anthony, whose father was Puerto Rican, made the comment during a trip to the island last week. While he said it feels like a "new beginning" with the Knicks and complimented the moves the team has made this offseason, Anthony was realistic about the team's chances a season after it went 37-45 and missed the playoffs.
"I do not expect to win a championship this year. That's something that takes time and everything has to be in sync, from management to players. We have much work to do, but something that drives me. I know we can start creating the foundation of what we do. It's the start of a good process," Anthony said.
"Next year we will have enough money to spend within the salary cap. But this year it is important to take the necessary steps towards those who will in the next year (sic)."
Anthony opted out of his contract this offseason and fielded interest from several teams, but ultimately re-signed with the Knicks over the Chicago Bulls on a five-year, $124 million deal. In July, Anthony said the Knicks "weren't far" from contending.
Under new team president Phil Jackson, New York made several moves this offseason to reshape the roster. The Knicks traded center Tyson Chandler and point guard Raymond Felton to the Dallas Mavericks for point guard Jose Calderon, center Samuel Dalembert, guard Wayne Ellington and guard Shane Larkin. The team then sent Ellington and Jeremy Tyler to the Sacramento Kings for Quincy Acy and Travis Outlaw.
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The Knicks will clear significant salary off their roster after the 2014-15 season, including the expensive contracts of Amar'e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani, allowing New York to pursue more expensive free agents.
- Ben Estes
