Phil Jackson hasn't heard from his prized All-Star Carmelo Anthony in the past few days, but his confidence of re-signing one of the hottest commodities on the open market hasn't wavered.
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Jackson is confident that after meeting with the seven-time All-Star he has sold him on returning to the Knicks where he can make the most money with a five-year $129 million deal.
"I felt really good about my conversation with Melo," Jackson, who revealed that there are five different contract offers on the table for Anthony, told reporters. "We really struck a chord. The two of us, I think, feel really passionately about what we're trying to get accomplished. It's his ability to stay, be patient, lead and watch us develop a winner. There's no instantaneous winner that we think is going to happen to the Knicks right now, but we're going to be a lot better."
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There was a report by the New York Daily News that Anthony's friend said he would be staying in New York and that his decision would be announced on Thursday, but Thursday came and went with no decision from Anthony as to where he'll end up.
Anthony's agent Leon Rose told ESPN that Anthony "hasn't made a decision yet." while another source added that there was "no decision yet" and that it was "still up in air."
Anthony has been courted by several teams and went to visit with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets last week.
Reports surfaced that Anthony was very impressed with Los Angeles' presentation for him as the Lakers and Kobe Bryant tried to sell him on L.A. having a chance to win a ring in the next couple of seasons, something that is very important to Anthony and could trump max money.
Los Angeles also tried to sell Anthony on the fact that once Bryant retires -- which could be in two years when his contract is up -- a franchise that is rich in history will be all his.
The Bulls give Anthony a great shot at winning a ring, but they would likely have to impose a sign-and-trade to give him maximum money, which the Knicks are unlikely to oblige.
The Lakers have offered Anthony the maximum that they are allowed to under the collective bargaining agreement, which is a four-year deal worth $96 million.
Jackson told reporters that he has texted Anthony but hasn't heard back, but still the Knicks brain trust is well prepared.
"We have alternative plans -- Plans B, C, D, E and F -- but so far, we're still in Plan A, and that's the first kingpin we have to have in this whole situation," Jackson said of Anthony.
Anthony was second in the NBA in scoring last season with 27.4 points per game and also had 8.1 rebounds per game.
Jackson, who took over as Knicks team president in March, said even if Anthony signs elsewhere the Knicks can take some positive steps.
"Yes," he said about the possibility of a good outcome in losing Anthony. "It means we go forward with some of the other plans that we have, secondary plans, to try to sustain this team. Whether we turn to more veteran support or we go a different direction, [there will be] opportunities."
To Anthony, winning a ring may lure him from New York despite the money as he could sign with another team rather than go back to the Knicks, who finished 37-45 in 2014-15 and missed the playoffs entirely.
The only thing that is certain for Anthony is that the drama and speculation surrounding his decision will continue until he finally signs the dotted line, whether it be in New York or someplace else.
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