Carmelo Anthony sat and joked around after a recent practice with members of the 1999 Knicks' team that reached the NBA Finals. Two of them, Kurt Thomas and Marcus Camby, were Anthony's former teammates.
They played together in 2012-13 on the 54-28 team, far away the best one Anthony played on since forcing a trade to the Knicks. It was also the last Knicks' team to reach the playoffs.
Four straight losing seasons have marred Anthony's time as the Knicks' franchise player. That time could be nearing an end.
Anthony has said he "can see the writing on the wall." It seems to say that his Knicks' career is winding down. Either of the last two games could be Anthony's final one in a Knicks' uniform.
Team president Phil Jackson is expected to try and move Anthony this offseason. Anthony also appears to be worn down by the losing and his sour relationship with Jackson. Anthony looks forward to his exit meeting with Jackson this week to give him a piece of his mind.
"The chips will be on the table in that meeting," Anthony said.
Anthony has a no-trade clause so he can veto any deal. But he probably won't get to play with a contending team, especially one with LeBron James or Chris Paul _ Anthony's two closest friends in the NBA.
The Cavaliers and Clippers are hoping for deep playoff runs. So this process could take a while. How they do will determine how eager they are to make a move, and don't expect Jackson to get equal value for the perennial All-Star.
But if this is Anthony's last game or two, how will his Knicks' career be remembered?
He helped them reach three postseasons, leading them to one series victory. He was an MVP candidate the year they won 54 games. He set a Knicks record and MSG record when he poured in 62 points against Charlotte in 2014. He helped mentor Kristaps Porzingis, kept the pressure off him his first two NBA seasons, and prepared him for playing in New York.
But Anthony's acquisition from Denver in 2011 depleted the Knicks of young players and draft picks. He clashed with former coach Mike D'Antoni, didn't like his system, and couldn't successfully co-exist with Amar'e Stoudemire.
Anthony never gave as much effort on defense as offense, where he could be a ball-stopper. And four straight years missing the playoffs hangs on his resume, even if he had help.
But he's still a terrific scorer. Someone you can go to when you need a bucket, someone who could go off at any time, carry you and hit game-winning shots.
The Knicks would miss that Anthony. There aren't many players like that. The Knicks have had one the past 6{ -seasons. Could they still have him next season? Unlikely. Anthony isn't the only one who can see the writing on the wall.
