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Melo Says He Expects Knicks To Consult With Him As Trade Deadline Approaches

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's as if Carmelo Anthony runs the team now.

Four days after endearing himself to the front office by saying he'd take a pay cut to help the Knicks improve their roster going forward, Anthony said Tuesday he expects to be consulted should the team have opportunities to make moves before Thursday's trade deadline expires.

It's possible the Knicks could get a point guard, considering they are shopping Raymond Felton and have had their eyes on both Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors and Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks.

"I'm pretty sure they would bring it to me,'' Anthony said prior to the Knicks' game in Memphis. "They would keep me up to date on what's going on. As far as making decisions, that's their job. I'm pretty sure they will keep me informed. What's about to happen and what's going to happen."

It appears Anthony is no longer just an employee, but also someone of high influence within the organization. In other words, the Knicks might be more inclined to pursue a player Melo has given his approval to than one he hasn't. Regardless of how the hierarchy works, the Knicks need to shake things up as they are 20-32 as the season's second half begins.

"It's Tuesday, and I haven't heard anything as far as trades,'' Anthony said. "As far as today, nothing's happening. I haven't heard anything. We're planning on moving forward.''

Anthony has been treated more as an elder statesman since he announced on Friday at an All-Star Game press conference that he'd "without a doubt" take less money should he opt out of his contract if it would help the Knicks bring in better players and finally have some kind of plan. His declaration seemed to fly in the face of popular opinion, which had him leaving the Knicks this summer even though the Knicks can offer him more than any team.

"That says a lot about Carmelo making that statement,'' head coach Mike Woodson said. "Since I've coached him, I've always felt he's been about winning. That just shows he's committed. We got to put a plan together and see what happens."

Anthony, who is shooting 45 percent from the floor and averaging a team-high 27.3 points per game, hit a record eight 3-pointers and finished with 30 points during Sunday's All-Star game.

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