Phil Jackson indicated that the
New York Knicks will continue to explore trade options for
Carmelo Anthony, saying that the All-Star forward "would be better off somewhere else."
Jackson addressed reporters Friday, two days after the Knicks completed their fourth consecutive losing season. New York went 31-51, falling well short of preseason expectations bolstered by the team's offseason additions of
Derrick Rose and
Joakim Noah.
"We've not been able to win with [Anthony] on the court at this time," Jackson said. "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."
Anthony, 32, was the subject of rampant trade speculation throughout the season, prompting the 10-time All-Star to personally tell Jackson at one point that he wanted to remain with the Knicks and would not waive his no-trade clause.
Anthony said Wednesday that he'd "love" to return to the Knicks but wanted the team to make a commitment to winning immediately. Anthony has said in the past that if the Knicks presented him with a trade proposal, he would listen.
Sources told ESPN earlier this week that Anthony was "leaning strongly" toward waiving his no-trade clause if the Knicks presented him with an amenable destination.
ESPN's Ian Begley contributed to this report.
