March 2014 New York Knicks Wiretap

Thanasis Antetokounmpo Turned Down Significant Money In Europe To Remain In D-League

Aug 26, 2014 12:08 PM

Thanasis Antetokounmpo chose to play in the D-League for just $25,000 while turning down significant financial offers in Europe.

Antetokounmpo wants to play in the NBA and believes playing for the New York Knicks' D-League affiliate will help accomplish that goal.

According to agent Tim Lotsos, Varese offered Antetokounmpo a two-year deal worth $550,000 with an opt-out to join the NBA after one year. Olympiakos in Greece and Sevilla in Spain also offered him deals.

“Amazing isn’t it?,’’ Lotsos told The Post in a phone call from Greece. “To my surprise, he passed on it. He’s very ambitious and determined to make the NBA. It’s a big sacrifice. It could’ve really put him ahead of schedule in his career. I didn’t try to force him. I wanted him to make his own decision.’’

Last season, before Thanasis was drafted, Antetokounmpo played in the D-League.

“He spoke with Steve Mills and Phil Jackson,’’ Lotsos said. “He felt he’s in their plans in the future. They don’t have room for him on the roster, but they supported the idea of keeping [him] within the system and working and improving. He felt they do have a plan for him but they didn’t guarantee anything for next year.’’

Marc Berman/New York Post

Tags: Thanasis Antetokounmpo, New York Knicks, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor, D-League

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Carmelo: Leaving Knicks 'Was Close'

Aug 22, 2014 10:51 AM

Carmelo Anthony decided to re-sign with the New York Knicks in July after strongly considering joining the Chicago Bulls.

“It was close, it was close. I don’t even like to talk about that no more,” said Anthony. “This is home. There is no place like New York. Although the other situations were very intriguing, there is no place like New York.”

Anthony's college coach, Jim Boeheim, thought he should have left the Knicks for the Bulls to have a better shot at winning a championship.

“I haven’t heard that. I know [Boeheim] says some crazy stuff. That’s my guy. He’s been the same way for 40 years. But at the end of the day, man, with what we’re trying to create here in New York, it’s a new culture and a new identity and we’re trying to create that,” Anthony said. “As far as me staying here, a lot went into that decision. At the end of the day, I did have to believe in Phil (Jackson), I did have to believe in my teammates. So that’s all that matters.”

Michael Lee/Washington Post

Tags: Carmelo Anthony, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Thanasis Antetokounmpo Joining Knicks' D-League Affiliate After Considering Europe Deals

Aug 21, 2014 11:35 AM

After mulling between the NBA Development League and European clubs, New York draft pick Thanasis Antetokounmpo has decided to play next season with the Knicks’ affiliate in Westchester, sources told RealGM.

Antetokounmpo considered several significant contract offers in Europe if he elected to pass on a consecutive season in the D-League, but Knicks management made clear that it hoped Antetokounmpo would remain within the organization in 2014-15.

For now, the Knicks plan for Antetokounmpo to sign directly with Westchester, meaning no training camp deal, sources told RealGM. This allows the Knicks to maintain his rights into the D-League, leaving him off the available market as a free agent should he be released in camp participation.

Throughout Antetokounmpo’s decision-making process, Phil Jackson and Steve Mills reaffirmed their long-term vision for the 22-year-old forward, sources said. The Knicks have a full roster of guaranteed contracts at 15.

Antetokounmpo – the older brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo – was New York’s 51st overall selection in the NBA Draft in June. Thanasis Antetokounmpo showcased his defensive activity in five summer league appearances for the Knicks, and he averaged three points and nearly two rebounds per game.

Louis Labeyrie, the Knicks’ No. 57 pick in the draft, will continue to develop with his French team in Paris and could start discussions on an NBA contract next summer, a source told RealGM.

A scouted talent out of Greece, Antetokounmpo started his professional career a year ago with Delaware of the D-League. He averaged 12 points and 4.6 rebounds in 50 games for Delaware.

Shams Charania/RealGM

Tags: Thanasis Antetokounmpo, New York Knicks, Westchester Knicks, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor, D-League, D-League Teams, D-League Misc Rumor

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Knicks To Hire Jim Cleamons As Assistant Coach

Aug 18, 2014 12:43 PM

The New York Knicks will hire Jim Cleamons as an assistant coach on the staff of Derek Fisher.

Cleamons is a longtime associate of Phil Jackson and was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers during Fisher's tenure.

Cleamons was most recently with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Broderick Turner/Los Angeles Times

Tags: New York Knicks, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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Phil Jackson Buys $4.85M Midtown Manhattan Apartment

Aug 17, 2014 10:39 AM

Phil Jackson has purchased a $4.85 million apartment in Midtown Manhattan.

Jackson signed a $60 million deal to run the New York Knicks this past spring and there were questions on how often he would be in New York as has long kept residences in Manhattan Beach and Montana.

Jackson's home has three bedrooms and is 2,600-square feet.

Katherine Clarke/New York Daily News

Tags: New York Knicks, NBA

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Knicks Guarantee Contract Of Quincy Acy For 14-15

Aug 15, 2014 11:35 PM

The New York Knicks guaranteed Quincy Acy's salary for the 2014-15 season on Friday.

Acy will earn $912,000 next season.

Acy was traded by the Sacramento Kings to the Knicks on Aug. 6.

Sam Amick/USA Today

Tags: Quincy Acy, New York Knicks, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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Carmelo Anthony To Receive $62M Annual Salary Advance Over Five-Year Deal

Aug 16, 2014 6:30 PM

Carmelo Anthony will receive large portions of his $124 million contract in advance payments, according to sources.

Anthony is scheduled to receive half of his $22.5 million salary this season early. His contract is set up the same way for future years too, meaning that he'll eventually garner a little over $62 million through advance payments.

Anthony will not receive half of the $124 million deal this year but will get $62 million annually over the five years.

J.R. Smith has also received advanced payments on the new deal he signed with the New York Knicks last offseason.

Chris Herring/Wall Street Journal

Tags: Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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Carmelo Anthony Appearing To Lose Weight

Aug 11, 2014 2:49 PM

Carmelo Anthony posted a picture on his Instagram that showed an apparent weight loss.

Last week, LeBron James posted a photo that appeared to display a slimmer player.

Anthony posted a photo on Monday to his Instagram account with the caption "great training session today."

Anthony signed a max contract in July to return to the New York Knicks.

Cork Gaines/Business Insider

Tags: Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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Mark Warkentien Signs New Deal To Remain In Knicks' Front Office

Aug 8, 2014 9:10 PM

Mark Warkentien has signed a new deal with the New York Knicks after nearly taking a similar position with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Warkentien is director of player personnel for the Knicks.

Warkentien, like Steve Mills, is a favorite of Garden Chairman James Dolan. Warkentein is also represented by CAA, the same agency that represents Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith and assistant GM Allan Houston.

Frank Isola/New York Daily News

Tags: New York Knicks, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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Knicks Acquire Acy, Outlaw From Kings For Ellington, Tyler, 2nd Round Pick

Aug 7, 2014 12:07 AM

The New York Knicks have acquired Quincy Acy and Travis Outlaw from the Sacramento Kings for Wayne Ellington, Jeremy Tyler and a 2016 second round pick, according to two sources.

The pick rights were a removal of the 31-37 protection.

The Kings are expected to release Tyler and use the stretch provision on Ellington.

Sam Amick/USA Today

Tags: Quincy Acy, Travis Outlaw, Wayne Ellington, Jeremy Tyler, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Knicks Trying To Clear Roster Spot By Trading Ellington, Prigioni

Marc Stein/ESPN

Ujiri: Luckily For Raptors Kyle Lowry To Knicks Trade Didn't Happen

Jared Zwerling/Bleacher Report