The exit of Phil Jackson as president of basketball operations of the New York Knicks accelerated when the team decided they would not buy out Carmelo Anthony.
Jackson had lobbied for the Knicks to part ways with Anthony, preferably with a trade or a buyout. Anthony has a no trade clause, which he's been reluctant to waive.
The Knicks were determined not to accommodate Anthony's preference for a buyout on the $54 million he has remaining on his contract in 17-18 and 18-19.
Jackson publicly asked Anthony to waive his no trade clause after the end of the regular season.