Carmelo Anthony is the New York Knicks right now and the team intends for it to stay that way, at least for the remainder of the season. While the team's season continues to take a downward turn, trade rumors are running wild around every member of the team despite James Dolan saying nothing would happen. Well, Dolan intends to be man of his word and the Knicks are shutting down every trade rumors surrounding Anthony.
According to Yahoo! Sports, there is "no chance" the Knicks plan on trading away Anthony before the deadline. Despite the fact that Anthony could easily opt out of his current contract in the offseason, New York is prepared to keep him for the season and risk losing him for nothing in return.
Anthony continues to admit his frustrations with the Knicks' current season. New York is currently sitting at 20-31 as the playoffs slip away. The team is not built well for the future with just Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr. representing youth to build around. Anthony told ESPNNewYork.com that he is disappointment with how poorly the year has gone.
"I am a little disappointed just from as far as where we stand at in the standings, where we are as a team," Anthony said. "Our record, that is the most important thing. I am always going to be in an extra gear, having new gears. I got to get that same mindset to my teammates and make sure that they know how important closing the season is."
Anthony has denied ever requesting a move from the Knicks. HE recently said (via the New York Post) that any move that would happen before the deadline regarding him or head coach Mike Woodson was not because of him, but because of Dolan.
So for now, Anthony stays put. Does not stand come the offseason? It will not if the Chicago Bulls or Los Angeles Clippers have it their way. Both teams intend on making a run at Anthony in the offseason with a max contract. Considering the Knicks are full of aging players and very few first-round draft picks, Anthony might be inclined to move to a team better suited for winning.
Of the team's final 31 games, 19 are on the road. The Knicks need Anthony if they have any shot at the postseason. New York is two games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, so Anthony's high gear attitude will be needed.
