Phil Jackson is optimistic. He is optimistic the New York Knicks can things around. He is optimistic that they can get the best coach in the league. He is optimistic that the Knicks can attract an array of free agents to better the roster for 2014. He is also optimistic that he can re-sign Carmelo Anthony come June 1, but he would like for the forward to help make that process a bit easier on him.
According to ESPNNewYork.com, Jackson has requested that Anthony take a pay cut in free agency and re-sign with New York. The Knicks are not in the best financial situation and would ideally love for the forward to help with the salary cap squeeze and take less than a max contract. Anthony has hinted at this before during the All-Star weekend, but whether or not he actually follows through with it remains to be seen.
"I think [there is] a precedent that's been set," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "Because the way things have been structured now financially for teams is that it's really hard to have one or two top stars or max players, and to put together a team with enough talent, you've got to have people making sacrifices financially. So we hope that Carmelo is true to his word and we understand what it's going to take, and we will present that to him at that time."
Jackson referenced what other marquee players have done in the past. Tim Duncan took less money in order to help San Antonio create their championship roster. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all did the same so they could win back-to-back championships. Jackson is hopeful that Anthony sees the potential of the Knicks roster and follows suit.
The Knicks will be over the salary cap next season unless Anthony really drops his pay. They have $23.4 million committed to Amar'e Stoudemire. Tyson Chandler will earn $14.6 million and Andrea Bargnani will make $11.5 million. At least one of those three players will not be on the roster next year despite Anthony's decision. Right now, the Knicks can give the forward five years and $129 million total. Any other team can only offer four years and $30 million less. The only way Anthony accepts any sort of pay cut is if the Knicks are truly setting themselves up to win.
"Any opportunity I have to build that up in New York, I'd do it. I told people all the time, always say, 'If it takes me taking a pay cut, I'll be the first one on [Knicks owner] Mr. [James] Dolan's steps saying take my money and let's build something strong over here,' " Anthony said.
Several other teams are prepared to throw a lot of money Anthony's way. Both the Chicago Bulls and the Houston Rockets are prepping roster moves to free up cap space. Anthony might be regretting that statement come free agency.
