Carmelo Anthony is slated to become a free agent, but New York Knicks President Phil Jackson is still keeping the All-Star's desires in his head as he looks for a new coach to turn the team around after a disappointing season. One option for the team is Mark Jackson.
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Anthony is expected to opt out of his contract in July and hit the open market, but it is possible that he remains a Knick since the team can give him $33 million more than any other team once he tests free agency.
Anthony is determined to win an NBA title and wants to go to a team that he deems fit to win one in the next few years, so the coach of whatever team he chooses to go to will be an important factor in his decision-making.
The Knicks fired coach Mike Woodson shortly after the regular season concluded and weren't able to land Steve Kerr, who spurned them to take a job with the Golden State Warriors. Derek Fisher is a favorite to land the Knicks head coaching job, but Mark Jackson -- the man who was replaced in Golden State by Kerr -- remains a possibility.
A source told ESPN that Anthony would "embrace" the hiring of Jackson to come in and lead the team at the bench. The source also said that it doesn't mean that Anthony wouldn't play for Fisher or anyone else that New York brought in, only that he would embrace the hiring of Jackson.
The Knicks won just 37 games last season after owner James Dolan declared them a championship contender, and they missed the playoffs.. Many players questioned the coaching staff, leading to the team making a change. Now the search is underway to find the next leader of the team.
Phil Jackson has given no indication that he plans to interview Mark Jackson, though he said in the past that he would be "open" to it.
If New York hopes to keep Anthony, the next coach may very well have to be someone that he approves of, and Mark Jackson fits the bill.
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