NBA

Jackson puts ball in Carmelo’s court in ‘topsy-turvy’ free agency

Knicks president Phil Jackson said Carmelo Anthony gave the thumbs-up to Wednesday’s blockbuster deal with the Mavericks that upgraded the Knicks’ point guard position with Jose Calderon.

Jackson also maintained Thursday he still has “every confidence’’ Anthony will stick to his word that he loves playing in New York and re-sign, but added the Knicks have “no control’’ any longer now that Anthony opted out of his contract, and called the situation “topsy-turvy.’’

Anthony becomes a free agent July 1, and plans to visit Chicago, Dallas and Houston, and possibly the Lakers.

Before Thursday’s NBA Draft, Jackson said in a press conference he broached the trade with Anthony during their meeting in Los Angeles two weeks ago. He also restated his wish Anthony take less than the maximum contract if he re-signs with the Knicks, in order for the team to have more flexibility for free agents in 2015.

“I wouldn’t say ‘consulted,’ ’’ Jackson said when asked if Anthony knew of the trade. “I would use the word ‘informed.’ A couple of weeks ago, when we met with him, we told him it was on the table. I was to wait and see until I got back from Turkey [from his son’s wedding] how this fit. He was aware. He saw the value in it. He was appreciative of it.’’

“It was a message to all the players we’re on the move.’’

Jackson was then asked if he’s more optimistic Anthony will re-sign.

“It’s a big question,’’ Jackson said. “So many things that could happen out there. We really don’t know. With LeBron [James] getting in this free agency, it’s topsy-turvy right now. We don’t know what all that means. But we have every confidence that Carmelo is good for what his word is that he wants to be in New York. He likes playing in New York. He wants to compete. He wants to be part of a playoff team that’s competitive bound toward a championship.’’

Carmelo Anthony has opted out of his contract with the New York Knicks and will become an unrestricted free agent.Getty Images

Jackson said there’s nothing more he can do regarding Anthony. They have met twice, and now Anthony will be courted from the Midwest to the Southwest to the West Coast.

“We don’t have control,’’ Jackson said. “When someone goes into free agency, that’s what it’s about, to have the option to do that and get a chance [to see] what other people have to say about it and appeal to him. He’ll have to make that judgment call. We just hope what we’re doing appeals to him also.’’

Jackson said he has no firm plans to meet with Anthony in early July.

“The first and last [meeting] is always the best,’’ Jackson said.

Because of Calderon’s long-term contract, the Knicks lost $5.2 million in cap space they are looking to use for free agents in 2015.

“Not enough to worry about that part of it,’’ Jackson said.

Nevertheless, Jackson again challenged Anthony to take less than the $22.5 million max contract to show he is a team player. Anthony spoke during the All-Star break about taking less than the max, but there are indications he wants to be paid very close to his market value.

“He’s the one who opened that up, that it wasn’t about the money,’’ Jackson said. “I challenged him on that. I wanted our fans to see he’s a team player and do what is best for the team to get ahead farther and faster.”

“The perception is, we want Carmelo as interested in winning and wanting to be on a competitive team and able to demonstrate that when push comes to shove, he may have to take a little bit less to bring in another player to help this concept along.’’

There’s a report Kobe Bryant will speak with Anthony in early July to push the Lakers, whose president is Jackson’s fiancee, Jeanie Buss.

The possibility of teaming LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony together took a big hit with James’ decision to opt out.Charles Wenzelberg

“Kobe is persuasive, no doubt about it,’’ Jackson said. “Jeanie stays out of it and lets Jim [Buss] handle that part of it.’’

The Bulls and Rockets are trying to get under the salary cap. Houston is on its way, having traded Omer Asik and reportedly has a deal in place for Jeremy Lin if Anthony gives them a commitment.

The Bulls’ best shot is coaxing Jackson into a sign-and-trade rather than gutting the club to get under the cap. Their Plan B of trading for Aaron Afflalo instead went up in smoke as he was dealt Thursday to Orlando.

“I don’t want to talk about that,’’ Jackson said. “I feel restricted on that.’’

Jackson was referring to not being able to talk about July free agency because of NBA rules.

Regarding the trade in which the Knicks obtained Calderon, center Samuel Dalembert, point guard Shane Larkin, shooting guard Wayne Ellington and two second-rounders from the Mavericks, Jackson said, “We had to change some of the chemistry of the team.’’

Jackson has long coveted Calderon, a distinct upgrade over Raymond Felton. And Jackson said Dalembert could fill the defensive center role of departed center Tyson Chandler.

“Jose is a thoughtful guard,’’ Jackson said. “He’s got great control of the ball. He pushes the ball up, accelerates, is a very good shooter, organizes the team quite well.’’