Melo reveals arrival isn’t likely to impact his free agency decision.
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has responded to suggestions that Phil Jackson is set to be appointed as president of basketball operations at the franchise.
While the news is not yet official, it is widely reported that Jackson will return to the league and an official announcement will be forthcoming either at the end of this week or early next week.
Nevertheless, it appears as though the Knicks have already discussed the appointment with Anthony, who has also insisted that Jackson’s arrival will not be a factor in his decision making this summer when he enters free agency.
“They told me that Phil Jackson will come on board, although it isn’t official yet. I have great respect for him but I haven’t talked to him yet. But someone like Phil Jackson is always handy. His arrival however, will not affect my decision this summer,” he told reporters at shootaround on Wednesday, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 29-year-old is averaging 28.1 points per game this season and has helped the Knicks to a four-game winning streak as they look to put together a late run to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
With the Knicks expected to offer Anthony a five-year deal worth $129m, almost $30m more than any other team is able to offer, it is not yet clear where he will decide to play next season.
The Chicago Bulls have been regularly linked with an interest, but there is still a distinct possibility that Anthony will remain at Madison Square Garden provided talks at the end of the season give him confidence that the franchise can build a competitive roster that is capable of challenging for an NBA title.
As for the short-term outlook, the Knicks appear set to hand the reigns over to Jackson, although owner James Dolan and current president and general manager Steve Mills are still expected to be involved.
Despite this being his first role in the front office of an organisation, the Knicks are set to put plenty of faith in Jackson in being able to help improve the state of the franchise, as he returns to New York after winning two championships with the team during his playing days.
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