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Carmelo Anthony could reportedly sign with Knicks’ crosstown rival

ByJordanna Clark|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks for an opening against Nicolas Claxton #33, C.J. Board #18 and Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks for an opening against Nicolas Claxton #33, C.J. Board #18 and Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)

Carmelo Anthony is in search of a new deal, whether that be with the Lakers or another team (the New York Knicks?). Or he could opt to end his storied 19-year career with retirement.

Anthony’s comments during his exit interview in Los Angeles made it seem as if he’s ready to move on from the Lakers, but he hasn’t said that for certain.

The 37-year-old’s future is up in the air, and because of who he is, there’s been talk about a reunion with the Knicks. It turns out that he could be returning to New York City, his home, but not to Madison Square Garden.

Yes, what you’re thinking right now is correct. According to Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney, there’s a possibility that Anthony could be going back to the place where he was born – Brooklyn.

Will the Nets sign former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony?

This isn’t the first time that the Nets have popped up as a potential team for Anthony, who’s previously shown interest in playing with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. An Eastern Conference GM spoke to Deveney and said:

"“If he wants to go back to the area, the Nets stuff will pop up again,” the GM said. “He’d probably rather be there than back with the Knicks. He won a gold medal with Kevin Durant and Kyrie (Irving) and they wanted to sign him (in 2019) but the front office wanted more defense. Now, he’s kind of shown he can play a role as a 3-point shooter and they need to add more shooting because they’re worried about Joe Harris to start the season. If he leaves the Lakers, there will be interest on both sides with him and the Nets. He could win there.”"

Realistically, it’d make more sense for him to sign with Brooklyn over New York because the Nets are closer to winning a title with their roster. And what is Anthony’s career missing? A ring.

To be honest, Anthony deserves a ring solely because of what he had to deal with over the past season. He was one of the Lakers’ lone offseason additions who wasn’t a bust. He’s proven that he can come off the bench and be a reliable scorer.

While Knicks fans should root for Anthony’s best interest, it’d be strange to see him suit up for Brooklyn. He’d be the only Nets player to not draw boos at Madison Square Garden, or that’s how things should go, at least.

Regardless of what Anthony decides to do, the seven seasons that he spent with the Knicks will never be forgotten. And when the time comes, whether it be this year or next year, it’d be nice to see him sign a one-day deal with New York so that he can retire as a Knick. And don’t forget about hanging his No. 7 jersey from the rafters.

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