Phil Jackson: Derrick Rose trade ‘reinvigorating’ for Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony views the Knicks’ trade for Derrick Rose as a “positive,” Phil Jackson says.

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Knicks president Phil Jackson says the team’s trade for Bulls point guard Derrick Rose will be “reinvigorating” for star Carmelo Anthony, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley. 

On Wednesday, the Knicks traded guard Jose Calderon, guard Jerian Grant and center Robin Lopez to the Bulls in exchange for Rose, guard Justin Holiday and a 2017 second–round pick. 

Even though Anthony has indicated concerns over the direction of the team, according to Begley, Jackson said Thursday that Anthony views the Rose trade as a “positive move.”

"We've talked about that a little bit. 'Are we moving fast enough to accomplish goals that you have for yourself and your career?' Melo and I have talked about that: whether we're on the right time frame with him, is he disappointed or whatever? I think this is a positive move," Jackson said, according to ESPN. "He sees that as a positive move. I think that's reinvigorating for him. I think it's good."

• GOLLIVER: Knicks’ trade for Rose all sizzle and no steak

Anthony, 32, averaged 21.8 points per game last season, his lowest since the second season of his career. The Knicks finished 32–50 and missed the postseason for the third straight year.  

Rose may not be the only high–profile player coming to Madison Square Garden this summer. On Thursday, Frank Isola of The New York Daily Newsreported that Jackson told Rose the team would pursue Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant in free agency.