Because of his no-trade clause, Carmelo Anthony is still the most powerful man in the New York Knicks front office
No matter how much the New York Knicks want to move forward, they can’t really until Carmelo Anthony allows them to.
The Knicks reportedly – if you believe the rumors – were trying to trade Melo at the NBA Trade Deadline but, of course, couldn’t really get into any serious discussions because Melo refused to waive his no-trade clause.
Thus, he left New York somewhat handcuffed – and will continue to do so as long as he wants.
And Knicks President Phil Jackson said it best when he was asked recently about where he and Melo stood.
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"[via WSJ]Phil, on whether he’s talked w Melo, and whether he’s still a cornerstone of the team. “Yes. And yes.”Says Carmelo’s expressed disappointment, and that he as questions about direction of team. But says it shows he’s clearly engaged.Phil, on Melo potentially being traded: “That’s entirely up to Carmelo. … That’s in his lap” bc of his no-trade clause."
There are plenty of interesting things that can be taken away from Jackson’s thoughts, but perhaps the biggest is that it’s clear that Melo has the Knicks somewhat trapped. It’s almost like Jackson wants Melo to be gone, but Melo still thinks he can make things work in New York.
Melo is like that girlfriend that is holding on too long, hoping that she can change her significant other. It’s not happening. And it never will.
That’s what Melo has to come to grips with. Re-signing with the New York Knicks and staying with them as long as he has is admirable, but it’s time for both of them to move on.
But the Knicks can’t officially do that until Melo lets them. He has the franchise handcuffed right now. Eventually, there needs to be a serious sit-down conversation between the two parties – Jackson and Melo – and I don’t think it’s taken place yet.
And perhaps that’s because Jackson, himself, may have one foot out of the door, too. Rumors have been floating around that Jackson will be outlasted by Melo in New York, which can’t be good for the immediate future of the Knicks. At the very least, it’s an interesting theory.
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Why hasn’t Jackson sat down with Melo and told him firmly that it’s time for him to move on to greener pastures? It should’ve happened a year ago. And now, both the New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony are hurting because of it.