Closing the door on Carmelo Anthony marks the start of a new chapter in Knicks history. Just ask them.
The Knicks and Thunder on Monday made official the deal agreed to over the weekend, with Anthony headed to Oklahoma City in exchange for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and the Bulls' 2018 second-round pick.
In a release, Knicks president Steve Mills wished Anthony well while emphasizing the changing of the guard in New York.
“This is a deal we feel works for both this franchise and Carmelo," Mills said. "We thank him for his seven seasons in a Knicks uniform and all that he accomplished off the court for the City of New York by using his platform to address social issues.
“We will continue to focus on this team looking forward towards the immediate and long-term future. As we have said recently, this is a new beginning for the New York Knicks.”
The Knicks have missed the playoffs the last four seasons and their marquee offseason move prior to cutting Anthony loose was signing Tim Hardaway Jr. to a four-year, $71 million deal in July. While Mills praised the potential Kanter and McDermott bring, it doesn't appear likely the Knicks will return to playoff contention this season minus Anthony.
The 33-year-old spent the past seven seasons in New York, earning All-Star recognition the last six. Now he'll have a legitimate shot at team success alongside Russell Westbrook and fellow newcomer Paul George in OKC.
