3 free agents the Knicks could pursue

Make no mistake: Carmelo Anthony's statement Sunday that the New York Knicks "gotta do something" this summer is about free agents, and whether his long-term playing future remains in Gotham.

Anthony turns 32 in May, a few weeks after he completes his 13th NBA season. Many believe it is time for the organization to move on from him and build around Kristaps Porzingis, but the New York-born Anthony has remained committed to the Knicks throughout the worst three-year stretch in franchise history.

There is a limit on that commitment however, and whether Melo chooses to waive the noteworthy no-trade clause in his contract will depend on what the team does this summer.

The Knicks will have cap space - anywhere from $18 million to significantly more - and Anthony is a willing recruiter. He's already openly courted Rajon Rondo, only to have both his boss Phil Jackson and Rondo himself essentially throw cold water on the idea.

Related: Jackson stands by triangle, says Knicks don't need top-flight point guard

Jackson's love of the triangle offense could well prevent the Knicks from chasing top available point guards, in this summer's case Rondo and Mike Conley. Conversely, a player some Knicks fans might lick their chops about, area-product Andre Drummond, is only a restricted free agent and all but guaranteed to be retained by the Detroit Pistons.

With that in mind, here are three top-line free agents the long-suffering Knickerbockers can be expected to kick the tires on.

3. DeMar DeRozan

Current Knicks starting two Arron Afflalo has a player option for $8 million next season. Should he opt out, the Knicks would certainly pitch DeRozan, the top unrestricted free agent shooting guard. By most accounts, DeRozan is committed to the Toronto Raptors, but he can logically expect to see offers from, for lack of a better term or recent basketball success, "prestigious" U.S. markets such as the Knicks, the crosstown Brooklyn Nets, and his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.

2. Pau Gasol

This is an intriguing option, for multiple reasons. While he will be 36 next season, Gasol has remained highly productive the past two years with the Chicago Bulls, averaging more than 17 points and 11 rebounds playing both center and power forward. While the veteran Spaniard has said the Bulls remain his first choice, the team may be at a true crossroads with their roster this summer.

Enter the Knicks, employers of the aforementioned triangle that Gasol worked within for Jackson with the Lakers. It's not a stretch to envision Gasol at the five next to Porzingis - either bringing Robin Lopez off the bench or turning him into a trade asset. Jackson once called Gasol "a son whom I could adopt very easily and embrace."

1. Kevin Durant

Yes, the big fish has to be mentioned. Some accounts, varying in veracity, already report a true interest from Durant to take his talents to Manhattan. Aside from the obvious benefits of plying one's high-profile trade in New York City, Durant is believed to be close with Anthony.

Of course, Durant was also close with former teammate Derek Fisher, who was fired as Knicks coach last month. Perhaps as a result, Scott Brooks' name has been floated as a possible candidate to take over the head coaching job.

There is a legitimate salary cap question and logical concerns as to how Durant would fit into a frontcourt with Melo and Porzingis, but either way, landing KD would represent the biggest free-agent splash ever by the Knicks. But whether it happens or not, you can ensure Anthony will be watching closely and helping the recruiting effort, taking notes on his employer's achievements.