Watch CBS News

Knicks' Dolan: Isiah-Carmelo Reports 'Simply Untrue'

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan says reports that Isiah Thomas was involved in the pursuit of Carmelo Anthony were "a fiction in somebody's mind."

"While Isiah Thomas is a friend of mine, a very good friend of mine, he was not at all involved in this process," Dolan said during Anthony's introductory press conference Wednesday.

Dolan also praised the work of Donnie Walsh and said they would discuss the team president's job status sometime after the trade deadline.

"Donnie's done a great job on this trade," said Dolan. "He's done a great job since he's been here, especially putting us in a position to even think of adding players of this caliber. Donnie is as respected as inside our organization as he is throughout the NBA. He and I have agreed to get through the trade deadline, then we will sit down and discuss his contract that expires in June."

RELATED: NYC Welcomes Carmelo With Raucous Garden Party | Keidel: A Team Grows Toward Brooklyn | Schmeelk's Stance: Isiah's Influence | Highlightin' Hoops: Walsh Is A Winner | Al Dukes Song: Carmelo's On Our Team

Dolan met with Anthony last Thursday in Los Angeles during the All-Star break, and there were reports he had taken control away from Walsh — with former team president and coach Thomas advising him — and offered more than Walsh was prepared to.

The Knicks released a statement Sunday saying Dolan, Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni were on the same page, and the owner repeated that Wednesday, insisting they were "completely coordinated throughout this process from start to finish."

"The idea that we were not in agreement is simply not true," Dolan said. "We had multiple meetings and discussions, some good debating, but in the end we were all in complete agreement."

He saved his strongest words for the speculation that Thomas had a role.

"He wasn't advising me or telling me what to do in any way. And any report implied that is simply untrue and fiction in somebody's minds," Dolan said.

Dolan hasn't picked up the option on Walsh's contract for next season, even after his moves over the first two years have the Knicks in position for their first playoff appearance since 2004. There has even been speculation that part of the reason Dolan hasn't committed to Walsh beyond this season is because he is considering bringing back Thomas.

But Walsh has said now isn't the time to think about his future, and Dolan said they agreed it would be discussed after Thursday's deadline.

Do you think the Isiah reports were pure fiction? Let us know in the comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.