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NY Knicks: 4 former players who could return in free agency

By Zachary Bachar

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 01: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 01, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 01: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 01, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Aug 24, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) fouls on Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony (00) in the second half in game four of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Former Knicks who could return: Carmelo Anthony

Similar to Gallinari, coming back to the Knicks would be mostly due to Carmelo Anthony’s relationship to Leon Rose. Rose was Anthony’s former agent right up until he accepted the job as team president for New York.

Anthony was the last star to lead the Knicks to the playoffs, and he deserves credit for maintaining a positive attitude amidst the turmoil of the Phil Jackson presidency. He was also the last high profile player to want to play for the blue and orange.

The 36-year old might want to latch onto a contender and try to earn his first championship as his career winds down, taking a veteran minimum deal on a team with high expectations.

However, the Knicks have been linked to a potential trade for Chris Paul. If the team lands Paul, that highly increases the probability that Carmelo Anthony makes his return. Paul and Anthony are extremely good friends, and they’ve both been represented by Leon Rose during his agent days.

While Anthony isn’t the player who could score 30 points on any given night anymore, he still provides shot creation and the ability to carry an offense for short stretches. He could also take on a mentorship role for Barrett, advising him on how to handle the intense spotlight that comes with playing for the Knicks.

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It’s unclear as to how much Anthony would truly help the Knicks if they decide to bring him back and make a run at the playoffs, but it would be pleasant to see the former scoring champion return to his old stomping grounds.