Phil Jackson's pitch to Carmelo Anthony has been simple. Stick around for one more year. The Knicks are expected to have enough cap space to possibly sign two max free agents after next season. Derek Fisher will be the next head coach and all will be swell in Gotham.
The Knicks threw all their marbles into the Carmelo Anthony Sweepstakes three years ago. The entire core that Donnie Walsh had built was dealt to bring in the perennial all-star. Walsh was against the deal. When James Dolan was informed an offer was on the table he overruled the G.M to pull the trigger and acquire Carmelo. It wasn't the best business decision, but the Knicks had their guy.
According to reports Carmelo is expected to opt out of the final year of his deal and become a free agent. This throws a monkey wrench in the Zen Master's plan. Phil is well aware of the level of talent necessary to be successful in this league. He himself has played alongside and coached some of the best talent in league history.
There's a good chance Phil may spend the remainder of the summer wondering what he was thinking when he accepted this job. The Steve Kerr hire was supposed to be a sure thing. Kerr's bosses at TNT were set to relieve him of his duties to become the Knicks next head coach. He even gave his former mentor a verbal commitment. That was until the Golden State Warriors came calling. Kerr was on the first train smoking out of town.
At some point Phil has received a call from every team in the league about joining their organization. He's certainly accustomed to having his ego stroked this time of year. To get spurned twice in one summer is unfamiliar territory.
The Knicks can still offer Carmelo more money than any other team in the NBA. Carmelo is 30. Now that he's all grown up and devoted to winning money may not be the deciding factor. Houston, Chicago, Miami and a few outsiders are expected to come calling.
The threat of Carmelo leaving is looming. Somewhere Donnie Walsh is saying I told you so. Phil would be advised to start devising a plan B.
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