Jackson Blames Carmelo Anthony for Knicks Exit

In Masters of the Game, Phil Jackson says his relationship with Carmelo Anthony was “kind of busted,” and that clashes over the triangle offense and Anthony’s ball‑dominant play were a central reason for Jackson’s exit as New York Knicks president in 2017. Jackson says he urged owner James Dolan to trade Anthony and sought a buyout, and that he ultimately left when a buyout was not agreed. Jackson and others recount coaches saying Anthony preferred isolation scoring and wanted the ball in his hands, with anecdotes cited to illustrate his competitiveness. Amar’e Stoudemire is quoted as saying Anthony’s arrival hurt ball movement and team cohesion. Anthony later waived his no‑trade clause and departed the Knicks for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017. Separately, Giannis Antetokounmpo downplayed trade speculation linking him to New York and emphasized his commitment to the Bucks.