Carmelo Anthony Addresses Knicks Speculation After Rose Hiring

Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony addressed topics tied to the Knicks and their hiring of Leon Rose earlier this week. Rose, who has served as Melo’s agent at CAA, is set to take over the title of President of Basketball Operations for the Knicks. Coupled with Melo’s upcoming free agency, Rose’s hiring set off speculation regarding a possible return to New York for the 35-year-old forward.

Following the Blazers’ loss to the Pacers, Melo spoke with Newsday’s Al Iannazzone about the state of the Knicks and his relationship with Rose. Melo did not rule out a return to the Knicks, but he also made it a point to acknowledge the uncertainty that surrounds the situation.

“It’s hard to say because I don’t know what that situation is going to be,” Anthony said. “The easiest thing to say is, ‘His agent is there, he’s coming back.’ Until I sit down and see the whole plan, I don’t know.”

Melo went on to detail his relationship with Rose.

“Me and him, we talk multiple times a week. That’s not something we even discuss. I still think it’s still a shock for everybody. When the offseason comes, I got to be careful [what I say] now because it’s tampering.”

In 44 outings with the Blazers this season, Melo is averaging 15.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Melo is set to enter the summer as an unrestricted free agent. Regardless of his free agent status, the former Knicks star has expressed interest in the idea of returning to Portland for another season with the Blazers.