Knicks fire Phil Jackson!!

Ending a failed partnership that was far uglier than even skeptics anticipated, the Knicks fired team president Phil Jackson just before the start of free agency, the team confirmed Wednesday morning.

"After careful thought and consideration, we mutually agreed that the Knicks will be going in a different direction," team owner James Dolan said in a statement. "Phil Jackson is one of the most celebrated and successful individuals in the history of the NBA. His legacy in the game of basketball is unmatched. We wish him the best and thank him for his service to the Knicks as both a player and an executive.

The decision from Dolan occurred as Jackson feuded with the team’s two stars – Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis – and was preparing to get rid of one, if not both, as he built a roster around his triangle offense.

According to ESPN, Anthony’s future was at the center of the move because the Knicks had no way to resolve an untenable situation. The 33-year-old prefers to remain in New York and wasn’t going to waive his no-trade clause. As the Daily News reported, the Knicks were dead-set against buying out Anthony and the $54 million remaining on his contract.

So instead, Dolan bought out the $24 million left on Jackson’s deal.