LOS ANGELES — The Knicks’ dogged pursuit of Carmelo Anthony is exposing philosophical rifts in the organization and stoking concerns about who is running the basketball operation.
In an unusual move, the team addressed the speculation Sunday afternoon with a joint statement from James L. Dolan, the Madison Square Garden chairman; Donnie Walsh, the team president; and Coach Mike D’Antoni.
The statement read: “We want to make it abundantly clear that we have been in constant communication throughout this process and the three of us are in complete agreement with everything that we are currently working on. Together, we will do what is best for the long-term success of the franchise. In addition, we want to make it clear that no one from outside our organization has been involved in this process in any way.”
Although intentionally vague, the statement was clearly intended to dispel widespread reports that Isiah Thomas, the former team president, is driving the Anthony talks.
It is well known that Thomas, who was fired in 2008, remains close to Dolan and that the two still speak often. Dolan tried to hire Thomas as a consultant last summer — over Walsh’s strenuous objections — but the N.B.A. disallowed the arrangement because Thomas is coaching at Florida International University.
Thomas has not denied advising Dolan on the Anthony situation. When he was asked directly about it on a Miami radio show last week, Thomas said, “The conversations I have with any of my friends are always private and confidential.”
Whether Thomas is advising Dolan or not, the greater concern is that the Knicks’ front office appears to be fractured over a potential Anthony trade. Dolan is the most eager to make a deal and has virtually taken over negotiations, according to people close to Walsh.
The Knicks’ most recent trade proposal — which included Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler — reflects a major shift from their previous position. For months, Walsh kept his offers conservative, knowing that Anthony wants to play for the Knicks and could ultimately sign as a free agent if trade talks fail. The trade deadline is Thursday.
Those close to Walsh said he would never offer so many of his top players to Denver under the circumstances. Walsh has also maintained throughout that he does not want to break up the core of his roster or destroy the Knicks’ depth just to acquire a marquee player. D’Antoni is even less enthusiastic about a deal.
If the Knicks ultimately land Anthony, it may be at the price of a unified and functional front office.
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