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Phil Jackson Says Broken Carmelo Anthony Relationship Drove His Knicks Exit in New Book

Excerpts published Wednesday detail private talks with owner James Dolan about trading Anthony.

Overview

  • Jackson writes that his bond with Carmelo Anthony was "busted" and told James Dolan it was best he leave if Anthony remained on the roster.
  • He says he urged a sit‑down with agent Leon Rose to pursue a trade, arguing the Knicks were not positioned to contend and Anthony wanted a title shot.
  • Following Jackson’s June 2017 departure, Anthony waived his no‑trade clause and was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder that September.
  • Jackson concedes hiring Derek Fisher as head coach was a mistake and offers critical assessments of draft picks Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina.
  • He adds that the Knicks job helped end his engagement to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, citing what he describes as league pressure over potential collusion concerns.