Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis ‘happy’ for Carmelo Anthony’s new challenge

Nov 17, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) react against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Hornets 102-94. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Forward Kristaps Porzingis didn’t want to the New York Knicks to trade superstar Carmelo Anthony. The young international product was quite fond of his former teammate who was recently dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Although Porzingis was sad to see Anthony shipped off to the Thunder, the 22-year-old is happy the veteran forward will get to start fresh, via ESPN’s Ian Begley.

“For myself, I wanted him to stay [in New York], and to play with him and learn from him and so on,” Porzingis said Tuesday. “But from the other side, I understand that he needed a new challenge in his career and he wants to win a championship one day, so I’m happy for him. He’s in an environment where he might be able to do that soon.”

The Knicks and Thunder are NBA franchises going in entirely different directions. Oklahoma City has championship aspirations with their new “Big 3” in Paul George, Anthony, and reigning MVP, Russell Westbrook.

New York, however, is looking to build around Porzingis while trying to figure out how to make the team an attractive destination for other stars around the league. Anthony’s future with the team was never in serious consideration with the Knicks wanting to start over while Carmelo wanted to win a championship in the twilight of his career in the league.