The Zen Master's mind games could come back to haunt him.
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson broke his Twitter silence to throw yet another not-so-subtle jab toward franchise player Carmelo Anthony this week, likely in an effort to pressure Anthony to forego his no-trade clause.
Jackson's attempts to stiff arm Anthony has caught the eyes of agents. Sources told ESPN's Ian Begley that multiple prominent agents have indicated that their clients were turned off by Jackson's devious management of Anthony, who remains a productive player and a consummate professional.
Related: Phil Jackson's treatment of Carmelo sends loud warning to free agents
Needling Anthony through Twitter is just the latest move by Jackson amid another lost season for the Knicks. Jackson has indirectly painted a hideous picture of Anthony through columns put out by his former assistant and occasional mouthpiece Charlie Rosen. Jackson has also publicly bristled against Anthony through the media by offending his good friend LeBron James and his associates, while also calling out Anthony's propensity to hold the ball.
The motives here are simple: Jackson wants Anthony out of New York to kick-start a rebuilding process. But Anthony holds all the power with a no-trade clause and he remains loyal to the Knicks.
Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped Jackson from shopping Anthony to the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers - teams that might entice Anthony if he were ever to waive his clause. However, that move has seemingly backfired as recent reports suggest Anthony remains resolute in his intentions to stay and that his wish has only become emboldened since Jackson's media digs.
Anthony is a beloved ambassador for the sport and holds the title of vice president of the NBA Players' Association.
