John Calipari

Several sources confirmed that the Knicks have already begun targeting John Calipari.

“Do I think they’ve spoken directly to Cal? No,” said one source. “Do I think he knows they’re very interested? Definitely.”

Calipari is represented by Creative Artists Agency, who also represents Carmelo Anthony.

“When it comes to the Knicks and CAA … the Knicks are all in,” said one coach.

Calipari has publicly said that he intends to remain at Kentucky.

Real GM

Mike D’Antoni has resigned as coach of the New York Knicks, sources confirmed to ESPN Wednesday.

Mike D'Antoni

D’Antoni’s resignation was first reported by Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday. The coach’s agent, Warren LeGarie, told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher that the parting was “a mutual decision” because D’Antoni and the franchise have “conflicting views of the Knicks’ future.”

The Knicks (18-24) have hit a tailspin in the last two weeks, losing six straight and seven of eight to fall six games below .500 and into a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

ESPN.com

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony has told a confidant that he prefers a trade from the Knicks before the deadline, according to a source.

Anthony reportedly believes Mike D’Antoni and Glen Grunwald do not trust him. He is surprised that his opinion has not been sought more on personnel moves.

“The organization makes believe his opinions don’t matter,’’ the source said.

A source said Anthony and D’Antoni spoke in an attempt to reconcile their differences and made progress. Anthony will not make a formal trade request.

Anthony’s agent Leon Rose refutes the report to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.

“Total nonsense,” Rose tells Daily News. “It’s laughable.”

Real GM

The NBA announced their 2012 All-Star Starters on Thursday.

Blake Griffin, Andrew Bynum

For the Eastern Conference, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony were the leading vote-getters.

In the Western Conference, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul are joined by Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and Andrew Bynum.

Griffin and Bynum each will be starting in their first All-Star Game.

Real GM

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony sprained his right wrist, then sprained his right ankle, sat out nearly the entire second half and likely won’t be healthy enough for tomorrow’s game in Oklahoma City.

If Anthony misses a couple of games, it is doubtful the already struggling Knicks offense survives without him.

“When it rains, it pours,’’ Anthony said.

“We will see [today],’’ Anthony said. “Right now I’m real sore. I’m more concerned with getting my ankle right. I can deal with my wrist. I can wrap the wrist and play through that. A sore ankle is a bit more deal with.’’

Real GM

The Knicks have one roster spot still open entering tomorrow’s season opener, and Carmelo Anthony hopes it eventually goes to his former Nuggets teammate Kenyon Martin, according to an NBA source.

Kenyon Martin

According to the source, Anthony wants Martin in New York, though he is not permitted to sign a contract until March, when his Chinese team is through with the playoffs. The rugged forward was bought out earlier this week and was expected home for the holidays.

The source said Martin considers the Knicks his top choice, partly because of his friendship with Anthony. They became tight during their nearly seven seasons together in Denver.

Real GM

Chris Paul

According to a person familiar with the negotiations, the owners and players met initially at about 2 p.m. ET and broke up to discuss the situation privately among themselves.

The players were furious at seeing first hand the owners’ offer of 46 percent of basketball-related income (BRI), down from their previous level of 57 percent, were unanimous about what to do.

“Let’s go,” one of the players said, according to a source. “There’s no reason to go back in there.” The players decided to return to the bargaining room with a much smaller group.

Among those joining Derek Fisher for the second session were LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Baron Davis and committee member Chris Paul. None of the players joining Fisher sat down during this portion of the talks, a person with knowledge of the meetings said.

Real GM

Dwyane Wade sees the Knicks as a growing threat in the Eastern Conference and believes they may be one key player away from becoming a serious contender.

Dwyane Wade

“Every team over the years that has been successful has had three guys averaging at least 15 points or more,” Wade told The Daily News on Thursday. “They need a third guy but he doesn’t have to be the same caliber of Carmelo (Anthony) and Amar’e (Stoudemire).”

“They don’t need a superstar to be successful,” Wade added. “Teams have won without three superstars. They have two great players. They just need to continue to add pieces. What they need is other player that is consistent…but I don’t want to give them the recipe.”

HoopsWorld

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony underwent surgery on his left knee, as well as a procedure on his elbow. Anthony said it was the first time in his life he has had surgery.

“I did both of them,” Anthony said about the surgery in May. “They were bothering me seven years.”

Anthony said the procedures came at the same time.

Anthony has been playing a barnstorming tour during the lockout and is four pounds lighter than he was during the 10-11 season.

“I would be coming back at training camp, if there is one, less than than I left last year,” Anthony said. ” I feel good mentally and physically. My mindset is about starting next week. That’s where my mindset is at and body is at. Games are fun for charity, but at the same time we want to get something out of it.”

Real GM

Leon Rose

According to sources, Leon Rose has privately made it known that he is in favor of the decertification strategy that union officials have consistently resisted and deemed a “nuclear option.”

Rose represents LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, amongst others.

Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group), Dan Fegan (Lagardere Unlimited), Bill Duffy (BDA Sports), Mark Bartelstein (Priority Sports), and Jeff Schwartz (Excel Sports Management) are already believed to be in support of that policy.

Real GM