Phil Jackson Says Rift With Carmelo Anthony Prompted 2017 Knicks Departure
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New York — Phil Jackson writes in a forthcoming book that an irreparable relationship with star forward Carmelo Anthony was the key reason he stepped down as New York Knicks president in 2017.
In “Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players,” scheduled for release Tuesday, the Hall of Fame coach recounts a meeting with Knicks owner James Dolan during which he said either he or Anthony had to leave the organization. “Unfortunately my relationship with Carmelo is kind of busted, and if he’s going to be here, it’s probably best that I go,” Jackson tells Dolan in the book.
Jackson led the Knicks’ front office from March 2014 to June 2017. His tenure was marked by public criticism of Anthony through interviews and social media, a feud that intensified after New York opted not to buy out the veteran’s contract following the 2016-17 season. Jackson exited the franchise later that month.
The book excerpt, first published Wednesday by the New York Post, details Jackson’s push to move Anthony before the split. “I don’t want Carmelo back on the team; we’ve got to find a way to trade him,” he recalls telling Dolan, adding that Anthony deserved a chance to chase a title elsewhere.
Anthony was ultimately dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder in September 2017 after waiving his no-trade clause, three months after Jackson’s departure. In a February 2024 web series with former teammate Dwyane Wade, Anthony said he was “pushed out of New York” by Jackson.
Jackson also reflects on other decisions from his Knicks stint, describing the hiring of Derek Fisher as a mistake because the former guard “wasn’t ready to coach.” He further notes that the job strained his long-time relationship with Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, citing league concerns over potential collusion.
The book, co-authored with longtime Chicago Tribune writer Sam Smith, includes Jackson’s reflections on numerous NBA greats he coached—among them Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant—during his championship runs with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
Source: ESPN
