Carmelo Anthony’s aspiration to retire with the New York Knicks faded when the Donovan Mitchell trade talks fell through.
In the latest episode of the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Anthony disclosed that he had serious discussions with the Knicks during the summer of 2022 before officially retiring from the NBA.
“My goal was always to return and finish my career in New York,” Anthony shared. “That was my plan.”
After averaging 13.3 points off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers the previous season, Anthony believed he “still had the ability to play” and contribute to the Knicks.
However, when the Utah Jazz traded Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Knicks decided to run it back while also adding Jalen Brunson, there was suddenly no spot for Anthony in the regular rotation.
“We had a real conversation. They said, ‘Here’s a spot; you can join the team tomorrow, but this would be your role,’” Anthony said, referencing a situational player role.
Ultimately, Anthony declined the offer. “I couldn’t [accept it], not knowing when I would play or not play,” he explained. “I’d rather not go through that. I’m about grace. I just had a great year in L.A. in my role… I can’t do that. It’s a steep decline when I look at the bigger picture.”
Carmelo Anthony Didn’t Want to Be a Distraction
Anthony didn’t want to spend his final season as a bench warmer.
“That’s not the image of New York Knicks No. 7 that I want people to remember,” Anthony stated. He also didn’t want to be a distraction for the Knicks.
“And I think there was some hesitation in offering me that position because of the possible reaction to me being on the bench and not playing,” Anthony said. “That could be more of a distraction than an asset. If I’m sitting there and the entire Garden is chanting ‘We Want Melo,’ that’s something to consider.”
Carmelo Anthony Retires as One of the Knicks’ All-Time Greats
With no other NBA offers, Anthony retired after a 19-year career.
He finished his illustrious career in the top 10 of the all-time scoring list with 28,289 points across 19 seasons with six teams, most notably with the Denver Nuggets and the Knicks. Anthony led the Knicks to three consecutive playoff appearances, peaking in the 2012-13 season when he led the NBA in scoring and helped the Knicks defeat the Boston Celtics in the first round, securing the franchise’s first postseason series win since 1999-00. He became only the second player in Knicks history to win the scoring title, joining NBA legend Bernard King.
The following season, Anthony delivered one of Madison Square Garden’s most memorable performances, scoring 62 points against the Charlotte Bobcats, the highest point total in the iconic arena since 1968.
Jalen Brunson nearly matched it with a career-high 61 points against the San Antonio Spurs last season on March 29. During his six-plus seasons with the Knicks, Anthony was named an All-Star six times and made the All-NBA team twice, solidifying his place as one of the greatest Knicks players of all time.