9:20am: A source tells Begley (Twitter link) not to read too much into Anthony’s presence at the Knicks’ scrimmage today, since the team already has 15 players on guaranteed contracts.
8:21am: Free agent forward Carmelo Anthony is expected to reconnect with his former team and participate in the Knicks‘ informal 5-on-5 scrimmages at Columbia University this morning, league sources tell Jake Fischer of SI.com (Twitter link).
Those scrimmages are the same ones that former lottery pick Hasheem Thabeet is playing in, as we relayed on Wednesday. When Ian Begley of SNY.tv wrote about Thabeet’s participation, he suggested that the Knicks likely wouldn’t have invited the big man if they didn’t have at least some level of interest in him. It’s unclear if the same thinking applies to Anthony.
Although the Knicks discussed the possibility of signing Anthony earlier in the offseason, they reportedly only planned on pursuing him if they had landed two star free agents. When the club struck out on its top targets, its interest in a reunion with Carmelo apparently dwindled, but perhaps the door is still open a crack.
For now, it’s probably premature to draw any conclusions about Anthony’s participation in Knicks scrimmages. After all, he also worked out with Nets players earlier this month, and there’s no indication that Brooklyn has plans to sign him.
The 10-time All-Star declared several weeks ago that he hopes to get “another shot” from an NBA team.
We shouldn’t get our hopes up high for a Knicks and Carmelo reunion…
No, but don’t be surprised if AD joins the Knicks next summer.
@harden-westbrook-mvps
It’s a possibility and of course, Paul stated that whatever team he was traded to should understand that they plan on testing the market but why…why in the world would AD leave LBJ and the Lakers for the Knicks. It isn’t like baseball where the Yanks can outspend most teams. I didn’t look into the details so I’m not sure if the Lakers have bird rights and could offer more than any other team but if not they can certainly MATCH any offer since the max has a limit to it. As much of a Knicks fan as I am, the Lakers are a much better fit on the floor than the Knicks. Even if some expected turmoil befalls the Lakers there are still better options than the Knicks who would likely be another player, two or three away from being serious competitors. And with Randle signed to a multi-year deal AD would likely be forced to play C which is something he’d rather not do. With the Lakers I’m sure Howard and McGee would play C if both are healthy. No way do I see him signing in NY.
That brought a tear to my eye. Hahahaha
Not sure hopes is the right word.
I have high hopes for the Knicks this year.
I wouldn’t watch a single game of they sign Melo.