Carmelo Anthony does not rule out reunion with Knicks

'I have to see what's going on' he said of landing back in New York

4/28/2019, 7:26 PM
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after hitting a 3-point shot against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 27, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) / Julie Jacobson/AP
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after hitting a 3-point shot against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 27, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) / Julie Jacobson/AP

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Could Carmelo Anthony re-join the Knicks if Kevin Durant signs with New York this summer?

The former Knicks' star isn't ruling it out.

"I have to see what's going on," he said with a smile when asked by SNY.tv on Sunday at the Nike EYBL stop here.

Anthony, who sponsors Team Melo on the Nike circuit, is here watching grassroots games with LeBron James, whose son, Bronny James, plays for a California-based team. Anthony said he didn't know whether Durant will end up in New York.

"You're asking the wrong person," said Anthony, who turns 35 next month.

If the Knicks end up signing two max-free agents like Durant and Kyrie Irving (or someone else), Anthony might be a good veteran player to have come off the bench on a low-end contract, if he's willing to accept such a role.

He also could serve as a mentor on life in New York and with the Knicks for younger players like Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox and Allonzo Trier -- and whoever the Knicks land in the Draft, whether that's Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, Ja Morant or someone else.

Jalen Rose said he hopes Anthony plays again.

"He can still contribute, it's just finding the right opportunity is tough because unless there's a major injury, a contending team probably wouldn't add him," Rose told TMZSports in January. "Then a lottery team's probably looking to 'Stop Tryin' for Zion' so they're tanking in a lot of ways.

"Maybe an injury happens and he gets back in the league. But I hope so, I hope so. I don't want him to end after 10 games in Houston. He deserves better for somebody going to the Hall of Fame."

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