The New York Knicks are confident that they will re-sign star forward Carmelo Anthony and team president Phil Jackson has one player in mind to pair him up front-former Lakers ward Pau Gasol.
According to ESPN.com, unnamed Knicks officials are becoming 'increasingly optimistic' about their chances of getting Carmelo Anthony stay in the Big Apple, and that part of this is because Jackson and Melo have become more comfortable with each other.
Plus, the Knicks are making a run at a former Jackson ward who won two rings with the Lakers-free agent big man Pau Gasol. The Spaniard is said to be leaning towards signing with the Knicks although he could get more money elsewhere.
Gasol could be the replacement big man to recently-traded Tyson Chandler who is back in Dallas after three years in the Big Apple. While Chandler is the superior defensive player, Gasol could give the Knicks a more potent inside presence. The Spaniard is also a willing passer who can defer to Melo, and even complement another former All-Star in Amar'e Stoudemire.
ESPN sources are also reporting that the trade for Chandler and guard Raymond Felton was designed to please Anthony, as the deal brought in a respected point guard in Jose Calderon. Caldero is highly regarded around the league as the ideal teammate and veteran locker room presence. Plus, Calderon's presence could perhaps convince Gasol to come to New York.
The NBA free agency begins on July 1, and Anthony is reportedly visiting cities like Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles to help him decide where to play next season.
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