Knicks Expect Carmelo Anthony in Training Camp

Carmelo Anthony is expected to remain with the New York Knicks through the start of training camp next week. The Knicks held a press conference this morning to kick off their 2017-18 NBA season, addressing persistent rumors surrounding an Anthony trade. As reported by Stephan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Knicks management said that as of now, they expect Anthony to show up for camp and to retain his starting role in their lineup.

Although GM Scott Perry said he’s still “keeping an open mind” about trading the team’s top scorer, the overall message from Knicks brass Friday is that they anticipate Anthony will be part of the team in the immediate future, even if not in the longterm view.

“Our plan is that Carmelo will be with us on Monday on media day and me with us on Tuesday when we start practicing,” team president Steve Mills said.

From Knicks Head Coach Jeff Hornacek:

“I think the role is not going to change,” Hornacek said. “We’re going to implement certain plays, certain defensive schemes that he’s going to be asked to do. But if you think I’m not going to start him, you’re crazy, if he’s back. So he’s a great player, he still is and he’s going to lend a lot to our team. For us, we’re assuming he’s back.”

In the article, Bondy cites Anthony’s no-trade clause and New York’s unwillingness to absorb the contract of Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson as road blocks to a potential deal. Last night twitter rumors circulated that Anthony may be willing to accept a trade to the Portland Trail Blazers instead.

Anthony averaged 22.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Knicks last season.