The drama continues in New York with a frustrated Carmelo suffering a heart breaking loss on MLK day, after Anthony missed a short put back with a few seconds left against the Hawks. The Knicks are now 18-24 sitting in 11th place in the east at the half way point of the season, which is disappointing after acquiring Rose and Noah in the off-season.
Earlier this week, Melo was asked about trade rumors and responded that he wants to sit down with management and talk about a possible trade. However, after the Knicks loss to the Hawks on MLK day, he was singing a different tune according to Al Lannazzone of Newsday Sports:
Carmelo said he hasn't spoken to management and he said he wants to remain with the Knicks.
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) January 16, 2017
Here is the full quote from Melo.
Carmelo Anthony was asked about how “much” he wants to remain a Knick and about his loyalty to the franchise: “I think I’ve proven that. I don’t have to speak on that. I think I’ve proven that over the years day in and day out.” Anthony says he’s shown that by being a professional every day in his approach and handling the duties of being the public face of the franchise every day. He’s handled that well, in my opinion.
There is roughly $75 million left on Carmelo Anthony’s $125 million contract he signed in 2014-15, so it’s going to be difficult to find trade partners for a 33 year-old forward that is at the end of his prime years. When Carmelo does finally sit down with Phil Jackson, they will likely discover that they are stuck with each other unless Phil decides to leave.