New York Knicks Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Unhappy With Front Office, Offseason Approach To Signing LaMarcus Aldridge
New York Knicks rumors have Carmelo Anthony unhappy again. Anthony is now unhappy with the Knicks’ front office, believing that the team could have signed free agent LaMarcus Aldridge during the NBA offseason. A report from CBS Sports on Saturday (August 15) confirms that story, with quotes from Anthony that will likely frustrate fans about what might have taken place. Aldridge ended up signing with the San Antonio Spurs after he became displeased with the pitch from Knicks’ president Phil Jackson.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Aldridge apparently canceled his in-person meeting with the Knicks after Jackson expressed his interest in playing Aldridge at center. After being an All-Star power forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, Aldridge preferred to stay at that position, something the Spurs offered up during the NBA offseason. Anthony weighed in on the situation, hinting that he felt Aldridge was keen on signing in New York through a long-term contract.
“We could’ve gotten LaMarcus. I believe the conversations me and him had, it was a big chance he’d end up in New York. I don’t really know where playing the center position comes in. I know when I was talking to him we had a very great shot.”
These New York Knicks rumors might be hard for fans to take, as adding a player like LaMarcus Aldridge at power forward could have allowed Carmelo Anthony to play small forward again. The team might also have been able to bring on Robin Lopez at center, who had a lot of success playing alongside Aldridge while in Portland. Last season, Aldridge averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game with the Blazers.
A lot of improvement is needed for the Knicks to be good during the 2015-16 NBA season, which is a fact that Phil Jackson and coach Derek Fisher know quite well. Offseason acquisitions of players like Robin Lopez, Derrick Williams, and Arron Afflalo will help, but player development is even more important. Big steps by Kristaps Porzingis, Langston Galloway, and Jerian Grant could help get this team back into the NBA Playoffs. In the weaker Eastern Conference, improvement might come easier than expected.
Anything less than a successful first half to the 2015-16 NBA season could lead to further New York Knicks rumors about Carmelo Anthony wanting out. Most All-Star players can only take losing for a certain length of time before emotions take over and the trade demands start flowing.
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