Report: Phil Jackson to meet with Carmelo this week
You can cut the tension within the New York Knicks organization with a knife, as the team's franchise star appears to be at odds with the president of basketball operations concerning both his short- and long-term future.
It's clear Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson need to clear the air, and they'll reportedly have a chance in the coming days, as Jackson plans to meet with his nine-time All-Star, sources told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
Related - Melo: If my time in N.Y. is over, then Phil Jackson and I should talk
Anthony has reportedly asked to sit down with Knicks management on multiple occasions since a column by reporter Charlie Rosen indicated the 32-year-old has "outlived his usefulness in New York," and would only waive his no-trade clause to join either the Cleveland Cavaliers or Los Angeles Clippers.
Considering Rosen's tight-knit relationship with Jackson, Anthony reportedly took the comments as if they were straight from the Zen Master himself.
Related: Melo, Jackson caught in power struggle as Knicks sink yet again
An airing of grievances between the two is long overdue considering the last time they sat down for a chat was back in December - albeit for a fleeting moment - regarding Jackson's remarks about Anthony holding onto the ball too long, according to Shelburne.
The New York native has expressed his desire to remain a Knick before, indicating that even with the team struggling in the standings for yet another season, he doesn't intend to leave, citing his loyalty to the franchise since coming over from the Denver Nuggets in 2010-11.
In 41 appearances, Anthony is putting up 22.2 points on 43 percent shooting from the field, along with six rebounds, 3.1 assists, and a steal in 33.2 minutes per game. It's not translating to more victories for the 18-24 Knicks, mind you, but it shows he's at least doing his part on that end of the floor to keep his squad competitive.