Carmelo Anthony
AP Photo/Jason DeCrow

Had the New York Knicks’ “Plan A” worked out this summer, they were reportedly considering bringing back Carmelo Anthony.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the New York Knicks would have considered signing Carmelo Anthony in the event that they inked two marquee free agents.

“If the Knicks had acquired two major free agents, such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, this summer, the franchise planned to consider bringing back Anthony on a contract, league sources said,” Charania wrote.

Bringing in Anthony would have made sense for the Knicks on a number of levels if they were able to sign Durant and Irving. Melo is widely respected among players and although he’s not the same player he once was, he can still knock down open looks.

On a team with Durant and Irving carrying the load, Melo wouldn’t need to do too much. Additionally, one final season on the Knicks would have given Melo exactly the kind of Dwyane Wade-esque sendoff he desires.

Anthony only appeared in 10 games with the Houston Rockets last season. He averaged 13.4 points on 40.5% shooting. The forward also chipped in with 5.4 rebounds per game.

In seven seasons with the Knicks, Anthony averaged 24.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He also won a scoring title during the 2012-13 season when he averaged 28.7 points per game.

Melo made the All-NBA Second Team that season and led the Knicks to their first playoff series win since the franchise’s run to the NBA Finals in 2000.

Anthony remains unsigned as of July 31 and there doesn’t appear to be much of a market for the future Hall of Famer.

 
NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.