*Conspiracy theory time* Is it possible NY is dragging this out because they want the press? Think about it. Melo is the last big name up for grabs and all eyes are on NY. Once they trade him the franchise goes back to being mostly irrelevant and forgettable. Yes they risk harming their rep the longer this drags out but it's not like they have a stellar rep as is. The longer they hold on the longer they are in the spotlight. No one will care once Anthony is gone. I don't think I actually believe this but the thought crossed my mind in the absence of actual news.
You would think this deal would be done already considering Moreys track record in ripping off the Kings. And now a Kings person is the GM of Knicks. Only a matter of time before he caves and just takes Ryan Anderson and a second round pick.
Nah, there will be enough "repair relationship with Pornzingis" drama for the NY tabloids to write about after Melo is gone.
The only thing I can think of is they're just trying to make it seem like "we tried everything to get a better deal - we really did!" lol.