Knicks Rumors: Latest Buzz on Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook Trade and More

While the 2020 NBA draft is a month away, teams like the New York Knicks will likely look to change their fortunes during free agency as well as the annual talent grab.

This year's offseason is off to a late start, to say the least. The NBA still hasn't set an official start date for free agency or the 2020-21 season, but organizations still must make plans to put together an effective roster.

Although some star players will still end up on new teams, there won't be as much hype or surprises as fans would usually expect from the summer following each season. 

New York likely hopes to bring in some new talent to recover from another sub-.500 season. The team is reportedly pursuing an elite point guard, which could entice a familiar face to return.

Knicks target Russell Westbrook

Following the recent firing of coach Mike D'Antoni and resignation of general manager Daryl Morey in Houston, the Rockets may attempt to move Russell Westbrook.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, New York could be a desirable destination for the former MVP:

"Some people in the league believe Westbrook would embrace playing in the Big Apple, the fashion capital of the world. A West Coast guy, Westbrook's top hobby is fashion.

"The Knicks had no interest when Westbrook was put on the block in the summer of 2019, but that was when former president Steve Mills was in a more patient mode."

Carmelo Anthony could return to New York

Carmelo Anthony spent six years in his hometown as the franchise player, but the Knicks traded the star small forward in September 2017 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Anthony signed a one-year contract with Portland in November 2019, and he had his best season since he left New York. 

The Brooklyn native seems to be happy and will likely re-sign with the Blazers. However, he could head back to New York if they acquire Thunder point guard Chris Paul.

Berman wrote: "If point guard Chris Paul makes his way to the Knicks via a trade, sources have said Anthony is likely to want to follow. Anthony and Paul are close friends who dreamed of playing together in the NBA and saw their alliance in Houston end prematurely."

The Knicks could look to sign Fred VanVleet

After two solid seasons with Toronto, Fred VanVleet is one of the top free agents this year. If the Knicks can't secure Westbrook or Paul, Stefan Bondy at the New York Daily News noted they could go after the 26-year-old. 

Bondy wrote: "The Raptors are the betting favorites to re-sign VanVleet, but his free agency is unrestricted and the Knicks, according to sources, are among the other teams with interest. If they don't pull the trigger on a Chris Paul trade, it certainly makes sense for the cap-loaded Knicks."

VanVleet may not bring the star power of a point guard like Paul or Westbrook, but he has proved he can deliver on the big stage. His defense and ability to score in high-pressure situations could make him a great addition to coach Tom Thibodeau's team.