NEW ORLEANS – Late-arriving Carmelo Anthony admitted it was “a downer’’ to get Wednesday’s NBA phone call inviting him to New Orleans as an injury replacement. He had planned on “evaluating’’ his Knicks situation on a Caribbean vacation amid trade reports and a frosty feud with Phil Jackson.
Anthony, given permission to report to New Orleans on Saturday morning for practice, is trying to make the best of being here, unable to join his family on a vacation to Cuba and Puerto Rico — “my people.’’
Now a 10-time All-Star, Anthony kept it unresolved on whether he’ll be a Knick Thursday – even though he holds all the cards with his no-trade clause.
The Knicks have had prior talks with the Clippers, Cavaliers and Celtics, but Anthony said he hasn’t heard a word from management, so nothing seems to have advanced with Thursday’s deadline approaching.
Asked how he would like to see his script play out the rest of the season, Anthony said: “It would be up in the air. Something I have a problem thinking about it. To say I don’t think about it, I’d be wrong, I’d be lying to you. I think about it. Think about it a lot. I think about what’s best for the organization and what’s out there. I think about stuff.’’
A trade to the Clippers could be what he’s hoping for, but when asked if he wants to suit up for the Knicks on Thursday in Cleveland, hours after the deadline, Anthony said: “I hope so. We’ll see what happens. I plan on being here.’’
That would suggest he’s not itching to get away from the turmoil surrounding the franchise, which has been under siege by the Charles Oakley scandal in addition to its 23-34 record. Saturday, Anthony said it’s “therapy for me” to be away from the organization.
Anthony has said talking with his family would be a big part of his decision to waive the clause — if Jackson actually found a trade, which would come with complications because of Anthony’s large contract ($28 million with the trade kicker).
“It’s a conversation that can’t happen with one but multiple conversations, and I was looking forward to getting away from the game and exhale a bit and evaluate my situation,’’ Anthony said. “Kind of get away from it.
“It was a downer,’’ Anthony added of getting the invite, having said Wednesday he would have declined the offer if not for CBA bylaws. “I had to cancel my trip, and there’s no refund. I can’t get my refund back.’’
His trade kicker easily would make up for the lost money. Asked how important the no-trade clause was, Anthony said, “I really didn’t come here to talk about my no-trade clause, [but] it was negotiated.’’
Anthony said he has accepted his no-vacation fate and still is looking forward to Sunday’s extravaganza.
“I’m still excited about it,” Anthony said. “Still realize what a big deal it is.’’
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