Melo Eager For 'Good News' As Top Free Agent Disses Knicks
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Carmelo Anthony wants to hear "good news" from New York Knicks president Phil Jackson.
The Knicks were still in the mix for forward Greg Monroe on Wednesday, but otherwise there wasn't much to report after the first full day of free agency.
"We haven't heard anything yet on the Knicks. I'm waiting for my phone to go off right now so I can hear some good news, but it's a waiting game," Anthony told MSG Network's Tina Cervasio. "You see guys are signing up early right now. I think this free agency will be done in a short manner."
The Knicks reportedly sat down with Monroe after the NBA's negotiating period began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Meetings with LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan and Robin Lopez are also on the docket, according to multiple reports. But Jackson was standing pat as teams around the league were busy sealing deals.
The Knicks agreed to a two-year deal with guard Arron Afflalo on Thursday morning, according to CBS Sports. Hours later, reports had Monroe choosing to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite plenty of cap space, bringing a marquee free agent to New York could be a hard sell after the Knicks' franchise-worst 17-65 finish. On Wednesday, Bob Kravitz of WTHR-TV interviewed forward David West, who eliminated the Knicks as a possibility for exactly that reason.
Some believe Jackson would be best served aligning his plan to maximize the Knicks' chances for a blockbuster free agency in 2016, when six-time All-Star Kevin Durant will hit the market. The key to that plan: improving the Knicks to the point where Madison Square Garden won't be an unattractive destination.
The biggest addition in 2015-16 could end up being Anthony, who underwent season-ending knee surgery in February.
"I feel very good in my rehab right now," Anthony said. "I'm back on the court running, shooting, working out every day. I haven't felt like this in a long time."
