New York Knicks: James Dolan Needs To Step Up And Fire Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson Has Made Carmelo Anthony Nearly Untradeable

At one point this year, the Knicks were the third seed in the Eastern Conference and it appeared as if team president Phil Jackson’s offseason maneuvers were panning out. It all went south after that. After starting the year 14-10, the Knicks have gone 8-22 since. They’ve been a complete train wreck, but it’s not necessarily because of their play. A big part of it is because of Phil Jackson.

In his time as president of the team, Jackson’s motive and decision making have been questioned, but never more than now. With the Knicks playoff hopes quickly dwindling, Jackson has been trying to trade Carmelo Anthony so that he can begin building around young forward Kristaps Porzingis; however, he’s struggled in his attempts to do so.

Reports have stated that Jackson has shopped Anthony to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Clippers; only the Clippers have been said to have some interest in acquiring him. The Knicks, though, would be willing to center a deal around point guard Austin Rivers, as opposed to one of the Clippers big three of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin. DeAndre Jordan. The problem in any Anthony trade is his contract.

Anthony is under contract for the following two seasons with an opt out after the 2017-18 season at approximately $27 million a year. The salary isn’t the biggest issue, though. The biggest issue is that Anthony possesses a no-trade clause allowing him to veto any deal which he’s involved in. Anthony also has a trade kicker in his deal meaning that any team that trades for him has to pay him even more per year than he’s already getting.

Jackson made Anthony nearly untradeable by giving him that contract, and he’s not helping his case whatsoever by commenting on Anthony through social media.