James Dolan Denies Isiah Thomas was involved in 'Melo trade

Before introducing Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the media, Knicks owner James Dolan felt it necessary to deflect speculation that former disgraced Knicks GM and coach Isiah Thomas was involved in the negotiations.

Last week rumors spread that Dolan was taking advice from Thomas on the deal, and that current Knicks GM Donnie Walsh was against the number of players involved in the trade.

"I will also say this very directly. While Isiah Thomas is a friend of mine, a very good friend of mine, he was not at all involved in this process. He wasn't advising me or telling me what to do in any way. And any report implied that is simply untrue and fiction in somebody's minds."

Dolan went on to add that he will begin negotiations with Walsh on a new contract when time permits, that he is aware that Walsh has done a solid job in getting the Knicks out of the cap trouble created by Thomas, and that he established a culture to bring in pieces like Anthony and Amare Stoudemire.