Hardaway Jr. hopes Melo stays with Knicks
Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks may appear destined for a breakup, but newly acquired shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is still holding out hope that his All-Star teammate will remain in the Big Apple.
"Yes, we definitely want him back - no question," Hardaway Jr. told ESPN's Ian Begley. "Just having that veteran leader out there on the floor, a go-to guy who can get you a bucket any given moment of the game, it's great. It's great to have that. You want to have that. It'll be tough for him to leave. But like I say, he has to do what's best for him and his family."
Related: Report: Hardaway signing shocked people within Knicks organization
Hardaway Jr. allegedly got into an altercation with Anthony during his first stint with New York after the young swingman called out the Knicks star for his poor effort on the defensive end. Anthony later downplayed the incident, saying he and Hardaway Jr. had "no problems" with one another.
The Knicks have reportedly expressed "a renewed willingness" to move Anthony after officially inking Hardaway Jr. to a four-year, $71-million deal on Saturday. While the 12-time All-Star holds a full no-trade clause, he has reportedly expressed interest in joining both the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Anthony, 33, averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.8 steals on 43.3 percent shooting with the Knicks this past season.