NBA PM: Anthony, Jackson Meet to Discuss Future

Jackson, Anthony Meet to Discuss Future

An important meeting occurred on Tuesday night, one that could have a big impact on the New York Knicks’ future.

Phil Jackson, who was hired as the team’s president toward the end of the 2013-14 season, had dinner with superstar forward Carmelo Anthony last night, according to reports. The two men were photographed together on Tuesday evening and today ESPN New York’s Ian Begley reported that they met “to discuss the team’s coaching situation and the star forward’s pending free agency.”

Jackson recently met with current TNT broadcaster Steve Kerr, who is reportedly the frontrunner to become the Knicks’ next head coach. Some reports have even suggested that Kerr could even be hired before the end of the first round of the playoffs (likely because New York wants to lock him up before more coaching jobs open up around the league).

Kerr was reportedly a key topic of discussion between Jackson and Anthony, who met at American Cut steakhouse in Manhattan. Jackson coached Kerr earlier in his career with the Chicago Bulls, and he spent part of the dinner selling Anthony on the coach and talking about their close relationship.

It’s possible that Jackson was allowing Anthony to provide input on the coaching hire, as his future is currently up in the air and every move the Knicks make could impact his upcoming free agency.

IN RELATED: New York Knicks’ Salary Cap Information

This summer, Anthony has stated that he will exercise the early termination option in his contract to opt out of the final $23,333,403 in his deal. The 29-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Knicks can offer Anthony a maximum five-year, $129 million contract whereas the most he can get from another team is four years and $95.8 million. However, Jackson has stated on the record that he hopes Anthony will take a pay cut.

“I like to appeal to his better nature of winning,” Jackson recently told the New York Post. “I think that’s what we want to do. There’s some obvious examples that everyone can point to. Tim Duncan making the salary he’s making after being part of a dynasty – not a dynasty, but they’re a great force. He agreed to take a salary cut so other players can play with him so they can be this good. That’s the beginning of team play. The group down in Miami agreed to take less money to play together.

“A precedent has been set. Because the way things are structured now financially for teams, it’s really hard to have two top stars or max players and be on a team with enough talent. You got to have people making sacrifices financially. We hope Carmelo is true to his word, and we understand what it’s going to take and present it to him at that time.”

IN RELATED: Carmelo Anthony’s Free Agency Options

It’s unclear if Jackson and Anthony discussed the star taking a pay cut at Tuesday’s dinner, although it’s something that Anthony has said that he’s “without a doubt” open to doing under the right circumstances. However, it’s not clear how Anthony reacted to Jackson’s comments on the matter.

Anthony and Jackson will likely continue to talk as free agency approaches, and the Knicks will sit down with the seven-time All-Star to make a pitch this summer. Anthony can meet with other teams beginning on July 1, and he’s expected to draw interest from the Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers among others. This season, Anthony averaged 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists, but New York won just 37 games and missed the playoffs in the weak Eastern Conference.

NBA Releases Early Entry List

The NBA announced today that 75 players, including 45 players from colleges and 30 international players season have filed as early entry candidates for the 2014 NBA Draft.

Players wishing to enter the 2014 NBA Draft were required to submit a letter to the NBA to be received no later than Sunday, April 27. Players who have applied for early entry have the right to withdraw their names from consideration for the Draft by notifying the NBA of their decision in writing no later than 5 p.m. ET on Monday, June 16.

IN RELATED: Best Fits for 2014 Draft Prospects

Following is the list of players from colleges and post-graduate institutions who have applied for early entry into the 2014 NBA Draft, which will be held Thursday, June 26, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The following is the list of international players who have applied for early entry into the 2014 NBA Draft: