The New York Knicks are sleepwalking through the remainder of another incredibly disappointing season, and Carmelo Anthony understands that it will likely be his last with the team.
After the Knicks suffered their ninth loss in their last 11 games on Wednesday night, Anthony implied that he knows he will likely be traded during the offseason.
“I see the writing on the wall,” he said, per Al Iannazone of Newsday. “I see what it is. I see what they’re trying to do and it’s just me accepting that. That’s what puts me at peace. Just knowing and understanding how things work. I’m at peace with that.”
Anthony was trying to be cryptic, but we all know what he means. The comments came after a night in which he scored just nine points, which was only the third time he has scored less than 10 points in a game this season. Carmelo also played just 29 minutes — well shy of the 36.2 minutes per game he averages for his career.
“I don’t know my role to be honest,” he said. “I’m just here to help those guys and keep those guys positive and motivated and I’ll get in where I fit in.”
Gone are the days when Anthony expresses optimism about the future of the Knicks and preaches about how he never wants to leave The Big Apple. Phil Jackson clearly wants Carmelo gone, and the 32-year-old would be wise to waive his no-trade clause this summer if he wants a shot at contending for a championship.
Earlier this month, Anthony criticized the Knicks’ approach with some pretty blatant comments about a lack of adjustments that have been made. Even if he loves living and playing in New York, he should feel a sense of relief when the divorce is finalized.
