Knicks Rumors: 3 forwards linked to New York in free agency
New York Knicks free agent target: Carmelo Anthony
Save the best for last, right? While there are no new reports linking Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks, Ian Begley of SNY believes he will be considered as a possible offseason addition.
The Knicks were reportedly interested in signing him last summer if they had acquired superstar free agents. And Knicks president Leon Rose used to be Melo’s agent. So there is plenty of reason to believe the former scoring champion could return to New York.
Anthony recently talked about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced since being effectively run out of town by Phil Jackson during his final season in New York. While Jackson was fired before Anthony was traded, the damage had been done. The ten-time All-Star spent the last several seasons trying to regain his identify after being forced into unfamiliar roles with Oklahoma City and Houston.
He finally found a safe haven with the Portland Trail Blazers where he has played 50 games this season, averaging 15.3 points on 42.6% shooting, his best shooting performance since his last season with the Knicks.
The 35-year-old can certainly still play an important role for a contending team, but it remains to be seen whether he would want to return to New York to act as the veteran leader who is no longer a featured player in the offense, even if the players around him aren’t necessarily ready to take over the lead role.