Phil Jackson has said that Carmelo Anthony is part of the New York Knicks' plans for the future.

The forward is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, and has not ruled out moving to another side.

The former Los Angeles Lakers coach, who was unveiled as the Knicks' new president yesterday, told reporters: "There's no doubt about Carmelo being one of the top scorers in the league, maybe the best individual isolation player in the game. I have no problems with committing to saying Carmelo is in the future plans.

"I think there are a number of things I see Carmelo doing as he moves forward. And I think I was on record saying a year ago that I think Carmelo, as great a player as he is, still has another level he can go to. And I hope together, with the team we create, he can get there.

"I think he's a basketball player, and that's what players want to be able to do. They want to be able to cut, to pass, to be in different spots on the floor. To attack or to play. I think that Carmelo will be just fine. I see no problem in it."

Anthony has averaged 28 points per game this season.