NBA Rumors: New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony, Phil Jackson had two-hour dinner

There are many within the New York Knicks’ organization that feel star forward Carmelo Anthony is headed out the door, believing he thinks he may be the missing piece for a Chicago Bulls’ team that really struggles to score (and were defeated 75-69 by the Washington Wizards Tuesday night to lose the series 4-1).

Anthony is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent on July 1.

According to Marc Berman and Ian Mohr of The New York Post, Anthony and Knicks’ President Phil Jackson had a two-hour dinner meeting on Tuesday night.

"Sources said Jackson was seen arriving at American Cut at 8:30 p.m. and waited at the bar. Anthony arrived soon after to meet him, a witness said. The duo was then seen heading through the dining room and into to the restaurant’s “ultra-private” Black Room in the back of the restaurant.The room seats 16, but Jackson and Anthony were alone in the room, the source said, describing it as a place with marble tables and leather chairs. They met for two hours before leaving, the witness said.A source said the duo was in “deep conversation” during their meeting."

Last season, Anthony averaged 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.