Kristaps Porzingis And Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: What's Phil Jackson Doing With The Knicks?

New York Knicks President Phil Jackson confirmed Wednesday night that he is listening to trade offers for big man Kristaps Porzingis, and trying to get Carmelo to leave. These revelations came only one day before the NBA draft Thursday night. Jackson said that he hasn’t seen anything that particularly sparked his interest, but also didn’t rule out making a move before the draft.

Jackson said that he was bothered when the 21-year-old, 7-foot-3 Porzingis skipped his exit interview in April. There are several possible destinations for the Latvian center, but moving him before what is considered to be a deep draft might be difficult. Several teams involved include the Phoenix Suns and teams with the top-three picks.

READ: Shaquille O'Neal Gives Advice To Phil Jackson As Knicks Coach Considers Trading Kristaps Porzingis

"We're getting calls. As much as we value Kristaps and what he's done for us, when a guy doesn't show up for an exit meeting, everybody starts speculating on the duration or movability from a club," said Jackson in an interview on MSG Network Wednesday. "So we've been getting calls and we're listening, but we're not intrigued yet at this level. But as much as we love this guy, we have to do what's good for our club."

Jackson also outlined what he’s looking for in return for Porzingis.

"The future, you know, what it brings," Jackson said. "Does it bring us two starters and a draft pick or something that's even beyond that? (That’s) something we have to look at as far as going down the road. We know what he is. He's a unicorn, and he's special."

ESPN reported Tuesday that the Knicks had spoken to the Suns about moving Porzingis for their number four pick in the draft and possible players including Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender.

Adrian Wojnarowski reported via The Vertical Wednesday that the Knicks are looking for a top-four pick in the draft for Porzingis because they want to take Kansas forward Josh Jackson, who is expected to go in the top five. ESPN reported that the Knicks have spoken to each team with a top five draft pick. The Philadelphia 76ers have the number one pick after a trade with the Boston Celtics who now have the number three pick. The number two pick belongs to the Los Angeles Lakers and the fifth pick belongs to the Sacramento Kings.

76ers center Joel Embiid appeared to be lobbying for the player Wednesday night.

"We don't care about exit meetings in Philly... you're welcome to join,” Embiid wrote on Twitter.

Jackson also updated basketball fans on his plans with his other star, Anthony.

“Here’s a guy that’s really special, a Hall of Fame player who’s done a lot for our organization and we value him highly,’’ Jackson said. “This is something that is on the long-term kind of situational thing. We’ve expressed the fact that we’ve done a lot of things to put teams together that can win and we haven’t been successful and it might be time for him to try to go somewhere else.”

READ: New York Knicks Draft Rumors: Malik Monk, Frank Ntilikina, Trade Possible With No.8 Pick

Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract with the Knicks and has said that he wants to stay in New York, which could make things awkward going forward.

Jackson did have one reassurance Wednesday to fans of the team that hasn’t been above .500 the last three seasons: “I think we know what we’re doing.”