Phil Jackson Believes Carmelo Anthony Is “Better Off Somewhere Else”

It appears that Phil Jackson is exploring the option of getting rid of Carmelo Anthony. Could the star be leaving the Knicks sooner than expected?

“We’ve not been able to win with [Anthony] on the court at this time,” Jackson told reporters on Friday after being askedwhether he wanted Anthony back next season. “I think the direction with our team is that he’s a player that would be better off somewhere else and using his talent somewhere where he can win or chase that championship.”

The Knicks have completed their fourth consecutive losing season. Throughout the season, it was always speculated that there was a possibility that Melo would not return. However, the 32-year-old forward never publicly suggested he would depart from the Knicks organization.

According to Jackson, during Anthony’s exit interview he told him, “you don’t want to end up your career not winning.”

Anthony still has two more years on his contract. He also has a no-trade clause and a 15 percent trade kicker in his current deal. However, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley, the Knicks were told what teams Carmelo would be open to be traded to before the deadline.