Carmelo Anthony's patience with the New York Knicks is reportedly getting thin. The star signed a near max contract with the team last season and they promptly repaid him with one of the worst years in franchise history. Anthony has remained positive when discussing the future, but many predict he could seek a trade if the trend continues in New York. However, will an upcoming pay day change that?
Walt Frazier told ESPN that he expects Anthony to request a trade from the Knicks if things continue to go south. New York did not have the most ideal offseason and the star admitted he was disappointed the Knicks did not get players like LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love. Instead they signed Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo while drafting Kristaps Porzingis and Anthony put a smile on his face. Now he is denying he plans on going anywhere.
"Because I haven't said none of it," Anthony said, via the New York Post. "That's why I'm bothered. It's always speculation. I try to [keep the] summer to myself and get away from the media. Then somehow it comes back to me. I don't get upset at that, but does it get overwhelming sometimes, yeah. But it's the life I live. I haven't said none of that [stuff]. Whatever rumors you guys heard about me and Phil, about Porzingis, it's all false."
For what it is worth, Anthony's contract plays a role in trade talk. Anthony would get a bigger bonus if he were to be traded during the 2016-17 season rather than this year. While the star has made it clear he is not leaving New York, money could be the reason. Dan Feldman of ProBasketballTalk.com makes the case that it is more beneficial for Anthony to play in New York this season before deciding if he needs to head elsewhere.
For now his focus is on the season ahead. Anthony has defended his relationship with Porzingis while showing faith in Afflalo. The biggest question mark appears to be in the point guard position. Anthony has spoken out in favor of Jose Calderon, but the veteran is the center of a lot of trade talk which would leave Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant to battle it out. Jackson has faith everything will work out in the long run as long as everyone shows patience.
"We have a number of new players, so they may struggle early as they learn how to play with each other," Jackson said, via ESPN Charlie Rosen. "Where we end up as the season progresses is an unknown, but we have improved our roster and have a chance to be a good team."
