New York Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler don't want to say in the Big Apple for another losing season. With many expecting New York to lay low until 2015, Anthony and Chandler both spoke out separately about not wanting to waste next season.
The Knicks won't have much flexibility with their salary cap until the summer of 2015, when the books will be almost empty. Because of that, Knicks president Phil Jackson could look to avoid making any major moves this season and instead wait until next summer to make a splash in free agency.
If that's the case, Anthony and Chandler won't be happy.
"I don't know if I can afford another season of losing," Anthony said on Thursday, according to the New York Daily News.
"I definitely don't want to waste another season," Chandler said on Tuesday, via the New York Post. "I don't want to waste this season. I'm not into wasting seasons. Your time is too short in this league and I want to win a championship, another one. I'm not into wasting seasons."
Anthony is expected to opt out of his contract in July and become a free agent. If Jackson is unable to sell him on the Knicks' plan going forward, Anthony could bolt for a team that's more championship-ready -- such as the Chicago Bulls.
Chandler still has another year on his contract, but he made it clear he doesn't want to stay in New York if the team is waiting until 2015 to become playoff contenders again.
"I'll cross that bridge when it gets to that point," Chandler said. "I hope it's not that situation."
Chandler could end up asking for a trade. There would certainly be a market for the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year, and if the Knicks aren't aspiring toward a championship next season, dealing him would be one way to get a draft pick.
The Knicks, who don't have a first-round pick until 2018 or many enticing trade assets, would likely need to rebuild through free agency. One benefit of keeping the books clear for 2015 -- excluding whatever contract Anthony might sign -- is the potential talent expected to be available, such as Rajon Rondo and Kevin Love.
