Phil Jackson hasn't discussed Knicks’ free agency with Carmelo Anthony
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson has not spoken with Carmelo Anthony about the team’s moves in free agency since the Knicks made their signings, Jackson told reporters Monday in Las Vegas.
The Knicks added four players in free agency: Arron Afflalo, Robin Lopez, Kyle O’Quinn and Derrick Williams. The team also drafted Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth pick and added first-round pick Jerian Grant in a draft day trade.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported last month that Anthony was unhappy with Jackson’s moves in the draft. A source told Isola that Anthony told a close friend “are we supposed to wait two or three years for this guy [Porzingis]?” Anthony later called Porzingis a “steal” in an Instagram comment.
Jackson also spoke about Anthony’s role in the team’s rebuilding project.
• MORE NBA: Porzingis solid in debut | Knicks sign Amundson | Tracker
Anthony’s large contract made it difficult for the Knicks to make significant moves, while the residue of their 17-win season made it hard to attract some of the biggest names in free agency. New York reportedly made runs at LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe, but failed to secure the services of either player.
Jackson addressed his franchise’s ability to lure top-flight targets, saying “we need to be competitive” in order to appeal to marquee free agents.
• MORE NBA: Knicks sign Lopez | Grading Afflalo deal | Grades Roundup
- Dan Gartland
