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New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony aiming to win a championship

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK CITY - DECEMBER 7: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks receives his USAB Olympic ring and poses with Spencer Haywood and Allan Houston during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY - DECEMBER 7: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks receives his USAB Olympic ring and poses with Spencer Haywood and Allan Houston during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony is preparing for his 15th NBA season. His top priority at this stage of his career: Winning a ring.

The New York Knicks are approaching a turning point in franchise history. The front office may have been formed mere weeks ago, but it’s already being tasked with determining the future of franchise player Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony recently spoke with the front office about his future, and his public comments imply that Madison Square Garden will not be his home venue in 2017-18.

The Knicks have been the epitome of dysfunction in recent seasons. Regardless of where fans stand on Anthony’s role in that perpetual state of disarray, there are few who question the impact it had on the 14-year veteran’s morale.

During an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt, Anthony acknowledged the impact of the turmoil and stated that his priorities have changed.

For those who can’t see the video, Anthony’s response to Van Pelt’s question was one that could be telling of his future.

"Well, for me it’s all about, at this point, just winning a championship. And having fun playing the game of basketball again. And finding that motivation and that passion, and keeping that motivation and that passion. And having fun and enjoying the game, because at the end of the day, when you’re not enjoying the game, everything else is just 10 times worse. I just want to get back to enjoying the game of basketball. I’ve never lost my passion for it, I’ve never lost my motivation for it. I’ve lost my joy for it a little bit due to everything that’s been surrounding me, but I’m starting to find my happiness right now, my joy for the game."

If Anthony’s goal is to win an NBA championship, then the odds of him staying with the Knicks may have dropped to zero.

Anthony is an NCAA champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist, meaning he’s won at two of the three highest levels in basketball. He led the Denver Nuggets to the 2009 Western Conference Finals, but hasn’t yet won an elusive NBA title.

At 33 years of age, Anthony will enter his 15th NBA season with a clear and self-proclaimed priority: Adding the final championship to his Hall of Fame resume.

Anthony reportedly wants to pursue that title with close friend Chris Paul, MVP runner-up James Harden, and the Houston Rockets.

As for the Knicks, the vision has shifted to a long-term youth movement under general manager Scott Perry and president Steve Mills. Four of the five projected starters are 25 or younger, including 19-year-old Frank Ntilikina and 22-year-old Kristaps Porzingis.

If Anthony’s goal is to win an NBA championship in 2017-18, then it’s fair to believe that the Knicks aren’t ideally equipped to help him do so.

Must Read: Designing an ideal Carmelo Anthony trade to the Houston Rockets

Nothing is guaranteed, but this quote adds fuel to the fire that is the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors. An era could soon end for the New York Knicks.

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