Well, that was very diplomatic.
In even-keeled tones so opposite those of the departed Phil Jackson, new Knicks president Steve Mills said he won’t buy out Carmelo Anthony, allowed the possibility of him being on the Knicks next season but said he hopes they can reach “some resolution that works well for both of us.’’
Mills wouldn’t say if he has set up a meeting with Anthony this week to brainstorm, but said he’s in “constant communication’’ with his camp and the Knicks star, who is pushing hard to be dealt to Houston.
During a Tarrytown press conference Monday to introduce Scott Perry as the new general manager and hail Mills’ promotion, the new Knicks braintrust signaled a trade of Anthony, the fading star, is not a certainty and said he could “easily be part of the team.”
The Post reported Mills and Perry want to talk with Anthony and see if he can expand his wish list. There was none of the tough rhetoric displayed by Jackson, who said repeatedly Anthony needs to be “somewhere else’’ as the Knicks look to rebuild.
“I’m not going to look back on what happened with Carmelo and Phil,’’ Mills said. “What I know is that I’ve been in communication with Carmelo and his team following the season. I think we will be a good developing team if Carmelo is part of the team. We’ll be a good developing team if he isn’t. We’ll be in constant communication with Carmelo and his camp, and we’ll come to some resolution that works well for both us.”
Mills added, “No, there’s no set timeline for this.’’
There also is no timetable to make the playoffs. The 45-minute press conference focused on the new vision of Mills-Perry.
Mills, who has final say but will give Perry “room” to make decisions, said the Knicks will “emphasize youth, athleticism, teamwork and defense.” There was no emphasis placed on snapping their four-year playoff drought next season nor mention of the deceased triangle.
“We want to have a group of guys that continues to grow together, that at some point we can feel like we’re a championship-caliber team,’’ Mills said.
Patience painted the day. Mills said it was key “to slow down, regroup as it related to the trade scenarios with Carmelo.” It appears a refreshingly different negotiating strategy that makes the Knicks not look as desperate as when under Jackson’s leadership.
The Knicks president added his objective is to “make sure what’s best for the New York Knicks and at the same time we’ll do what’s best for Carmelo.”
Perry, known for his strong relationship with players, concurred the hope is “coming to a resolution that’s going to be mutually beneficial for both. I’m in a position to look forward. Not a position to really comment on what transpired before coming here. I have a lot of confidence we’re moving forward. Whatever happens will work best for both sides. If he ends up being here, I’m confident we’ll have a great working relationship.’’
Jackson’s brutally candid approach is one of the reasons he’s no longer with the team, after backing Anthony into a corner. The Post has reported the Knicks aren’t trying to convince Anthony to stay, but at least want to take his temperature.
Mills and Perry’s goals of youth, athleticism and defense aren’t attributes associated with Anthony, but the Knicks don’t want to make a bad trade just to satisfy him. Talks with the Rockets — even on a four-team trade — didn’t result in a satisfactory deal, and now that club is up for sale.
In addition, Mills may want Perry to sort through offers that may come in, with his own ideals of what assets are needed in an Anthony blockbuster.
Asked directly about a buyout that would yield the Knicks no assets, Mills said it wouldn’t happen. A stretch provision would give the Knicks extra cap space for this season, but most of the marquee free agents have already signed.
“Carmelo is a great, great basketball player and if Carmelo is with us, we will continue to develop our young players,’’ Mills said. “If he’s not here, we’ll continue to develop our young players.
“We’ve been in contact with Carmelo’s representatives, we’ve been in contact with other teams. Our view is if there’s an opportunity that works for Carmelo and works for us, then we’ll look at some kind of trade. But we also feel that Carmelo could easily be a part of our team next year.”