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NY Knicks: 1 free agent target on every Northwest division team

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 29: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Potential Knicks free agent targets: Carmelo Anthony, Portland Trail Blazers

This is an easy one. If Knicks fans had their way, Carmelo Anthony would return for one last glorious run in New York. After recently being reminded that Kevin Durant didn’t want the spotlight of playing at Madison Square Garden, Anthony represents the last star player who embraced what it meant to play for the Knicks. He wanted the challenge. Perhaps he would embrace the challenge of playing a different role as a veteran shooter on a team trying to develop a young roster and return to respectability.

Anthony found a home in Portland last season after spending several months out of the league. He helped them reach the playoffs in the bubble with one of his patented clutch shots. He later indicated he hopes to return to the Blazers.

But don’t rule out the Knicks yet! With his former agent, Leon Rose, running things at MSG, anything is possible. New York has been linked to Chris Paul in trade rumors. Bringing Paul to the Big Apple could be the bait that attracts Anthony to return.

Adding Anthony wouldn’t cost much in terms of salary. The question is whether veteran additions of Paul and Anthony would help the Knicks develop their cornerstone pieces in RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson, along with young players such as Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox, and Dennis Smith Jr.

It’s reasonable to assume some of those players (perhaps Knox or DSJ) would be lost in a Chris Paul trade, but if the majority of young pieces remain, Rose must decide if their development is aided by playing alongside veteran pieces who can help them win games.

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