The New York Knicks named Steve Mills as the team's president and general manager on Thursday, replacing Glen Grunwald. With the sudden front office change, the Knicks could be preparing to make sure Carmelo Anthony doesn't harbor any doubts about his future in New York.
"I am pleased to be able to welcome Steve back to the Knicks," James Dolan, the executive chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company, told the team website. "He is a well-respected sports executive with a strong background in basketball, as well as a familiarity with NBA operations and our company. We look forward to his leadership and believe he is the right person to help us reach our ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship.
"We are grateful for Glen's many years of valuable service and pleased that he will remain with the organization."
Mills has 16 years of experience in the NBA, including 10 years with The Madison Square Garden Company, where he oversaw the business and basketball operations of the Knicks and Liberty.
Grunwald, who has been with the team since 2006, will remain with the front office as an advisor.
The change comes as a surprise with the start of training camp around the corner. It's uncertain if Anthony ever doubted the direction of the team under Grunwald. Anthony has said the only thing he wants is an NBA championship. After an early exit from last year's playoffs, the move could come as a way to convince Anthony of the team's willingness to get him a ring.
While Anthony is one of the bigger potential free agent names in 2014, the six-time NBA All-Star doesn't appear ready to leave New York. Earlier this month, Anthony gave his strong indication yet that he isn't considering free agency in the summer.
"I'm not going nowhere," Anthony said during an interview with Bloomberg Television's "Market Makers," via Newsday.
Should Anthony opt out of his contract, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be his biggest suitor.
