In a press conference last Monday following the firing of former head coach Derek Fisher, New York Knicks president Phil Jackson made it clear that All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony and rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis are staying.
Jackson was speaking about the Knicks' status when it comes to trade since the deadline is nearing, stating that they aim to improve the team and are continually looking.
The 11-time champion head coach then shut down trade rumors and talks involving Anthony and Porzingis.
"I think it is a known fact that Carmelo has a no-trade [clause], and we like Kris. Everybody likes Kris. There's not too many people that ever would say that I would trade [Kristaps]," Jackson told reporters, according to ESPN.
In the past few weeks, the Knicks are reportedly looking for backcourt help and were linked to the Detroit Pistons' Brandon Jennings, and recently to the Atlanta Hawks' Jeff Teague.
Despite the reported need for another guard and the no-trade clause in Anthony's contract, the veteran All-Star is still dragged to trade rumors.
Only Anthony can make a trade happen and that is when he waives the no-trade clause, which is unlikely since the 31-year-old franchise star plans to stay with the Knickerbockers.
Anthony is having a great season despite the team falling in the Eastern Conference standings, averaging 21.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 48 games played.
Meanwhile, the future is shining bright for Porzingis who continues to prove his doubters wrong with the way he is performing in his rookie season.
The Latvian is averaging 13.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.9 blocks per contest and is one of the leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award.
Because of the promise the 20-year-old brings to the franchise, it is very unlikely that Jackson and the Knicks are trading such a talented prodigy that they can build around for the future.
The Knicks are 12th in the Eastern Conference at 23–32, a record they improve when they hit the road against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
