Some may question whether Carmelo Anthony gave the New York Knicks enough of a discount when he signed a contract worth $5 million less than the maximum last month. But Knicks GM Steve Mills praised Anthony on Tuesday for doing "his part" to give the franchise financial flexibility.
"He could have taken the full max or he could have taken less money to put us in position where we had flexibility in terms of what we do in the future. He did his part, we appreciate what he did, and part of what we are doing is we are being diligent in how we build the roster," Mills said. "Everything we did, even in this transaction, did not extend contracts into future years. So [Knicks president] Phil [Jackson] and I are very much focused on that."
For details on Anthony's contract and its impact on the Knicks, click here.
More trades coming?: Pablo Prigioni was almost sent away as part of Wednesday's transaction that netted Quincy Acy and Travis Outlaw, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. Stein reported on Twitter that one iteration of this deal had Prigioni going to Utah in a three-team trade. But the Jazz eventually backed out.
Prigioni's name has come up recently in trade talks, Stein reported Tuesday.
Mills said on Wednesday that the Knicks were satisfied with their backcourt situation after dealing Wayne Ellington. The Knicks have three point guards and three shooting guards on the roster.
"We feel good about the core of our backcourt right now in terms of the number of guys that we have at [shooting guard] and [point guard] and we are going to play a two-guard front," Mills said. "We have a lot of guys who are interchangeable between the 1-2, and in some cases, the 2 and the 3."
When asked if there were more moves on the horizon for the Knicks, Mills said, "I think we're always looking at ways to improve the team and we'll continue to look at opportunities to enhance our ability to be successful."
Mills was also complimentary of new F/C Jason Smith.
"He's a mobile big that can play the 4 and the 5. He's got a great midrange shot. I think he'll fit within sort of the triangle," Mills said. "He's got good hands, he can space the floor and he's got great size."
Question: What do you think of the trade for Outlaw and Acy? Should the Knicks make another move in the backcourt?
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