Carmelo Anthony is calling for decisive action from the New York Knicks front office.
On the latest episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, a Wave Sports + Entertainment Original, the former All-Star forward shared his unfiltered thoughts on the team’s Eastern Conference Finals exit and the coaching changes that followed. Anthony, joined by ex-teammate Iman Shumpert, offered insight into the firing of Tom Thibodeau and whether the Knicks should pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Anthony pushed back against the idea that Thibodeau’s dismissal was an overreaction. “That ain’t just happened overnight,” he said, noting long-standing concerns about the coach’s rotation decisions and lack of bench usage. “Let’s be frank, the Knicks need a bench.”
Despite labeling Thibodeau an elite basketball strategist, Anthony pointed to fatigue and disconnection within the locker room as contributing factors in New York’s seven-game loss to Indiana.
Shumpert agreed, but focused on the development of Jalen Brunson, saying the All-NBA guard would grow from the postseason experience. “His evolution is realizing that he’s a point guard,” Shumpert said.
Anthony, however, believes Brunson needs more support in the backcourt. He compared Indiana’s depth—highlighting Andrew Nembhard’s impact alongside Tyrese Haliburton—to what New York lacks. “He need a Nembhard on his team,” Anthony said, dismissing current Knicks personnel like Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby as not fitting that role.
When the conversation shifted to star acquisitions, Anthony didn’t hold back.
“Now if you going to clear space to go get Giannis, do it. Go big or go home, I’m cool with that,” he said, adding that any deal involving Antetokounmpo would require a complete roster retool.
While New York’s interest in the two-time MVP remains speculative, Milwaukee’s postseason struggles and limited flexibility have kept the league on alert. Shams Charania reported on The Pat McAfee Show that Antetokounmpo is “actively exploring other options,” though he has not requested a trade.
Despite that, an anonymous executive told NJ Advance Media there is “no chance” the Knicks could acquire the 30-year-old given their current trade assets.
The Bucks, eliminated in the first round for the third consecutive year, face a critical offseason. With Damian Lillard sidelined long-term and minimal cap flexibility, Milwaukee may need to convince Antetokounmpo to stay with a revamped offensive role.
Meanwhile, New York continues its head coaching search after being rejected by several franchises in pursuit of sitting coaches. With high-profile candidates off the board, attention is shifting to names like Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, and former assistant Johnny Bryant.
For Anthony, adding a star like Antetokounmpo only makes sense if the Knicks are willing to overhaul the roster. “You got to go build a whole another type of team,” he said.
