The New York Knicks are entering an enormous offseason for them. While it seems like we say that every year with them, this one is actually huge because they need to prove to their star player that they want to win and win now.
Carmelo Anthony will be 32 years old when next season starts, and he knows that his window of opportunity is closing. Anthony loves it in New York, but at the same time, he wants to win very badly, so he is between a rock and a hard place about what to do with his future. Anthony has been frustrated by the lack of splash moves made by the Knicks recently, among other things, but he still remains loyal.
Anthony is under contract with the Knicks through 2019, but there are those who believe that it would be in his and the team's best interest if he were traded. The Knicks would then be able to go through a full rebuild, while Melo could chase a championship elsewhere. The issue with that idea is that Anthony has a no-trade clause and doesn't plan to waive it. Anthony continues to remain loyal to the Knicks, even though things aren't looking all that bright for the near future, as he recently said that his goal is to retire as a Knick.
This shouldn't come as a surprise to people that have been following this situation, but it still kind of does. Anthony has said that he wants a say in the current coaching search and personnel decisions, but Phil Jackson hasn't been willing to allow that. On top of that frustration, much was made of the fact that Melo didn't attend Jackson's seminar where he taught the triangle to members of the Knicks.
Anthony has, of course, downplayed his absence, saying that it was more for the younger players, but it has to make you wonder if his confidence in Jackson and the Knicks is wavering. Anthony told the press that he still believes in Phil because he has no other choice considering he wants to win and be successful with the Knicks.
With that said, it does seem like Melo is close to reaching a tipping point with Jackson and the Knicks. He says that he wants to stay in New York, and that is very believable, but if the Knicks don't make some improvements to their roster or hire a coach of his liking, it is easy to see Anthony changing his mind and requesting a trade.
