NBA insider believes Suns could kick tires on former scoring champion

While future Hall-of-Famer Carmelo Anthony remains unsigned, SNY's Ian Begley sees Anthony's situation as one to monitor. Specifically in regards to the Phoenix Suns.

In the latest edition of “Begley’s Mailbag,” the insider received questions about the Knicks’ chances of a reunion with their former face of the franchise. 

At least when it came to the Knicks, Begley was noncommital, but he went on to suggest that a partnership between Anthony and new Suns addition Kevin Durant should not be ruled out, noting that Durant has shown prior shown interest in teaming up with Anthony.

“At at least one point in his tenure in Brooklyn, Kevin Durant saw Anthony as a great roster addition. With Durant in Phoenix, that’s something I’d keep an eye on,” Begley wrote. 

Durant responded to a question regarding Anthony's ability to continue playing at All-Star Weekend, saying, "I think he still has the talent to play in our league."

In addition to his connection with Durant, Carmelo maintains a friendship with Suns point guard Chris Paul, just one more little tie which could help to push this hypothetical toward the realm of reality.

The 38-year-old Anthony was a quality reserve for the Lakers last season, averaging 13.3 points per game and would be a solid fit for the Suns, who are stacked through the starting five but have real depth concerns. This season, Phoenix's bench is averaging 36.3 PPG -- eighth in the Western Conference -- while shooting 43.3 percent from the field, third-worst in the NBA.

For his part, Anthony stated in a December interview that while he would relish another opportunity to play in the Association, he understands the business aspect as well as anyone.

“I want to be [in the NBA]. I love the game. But I realize there’s a lot of things that’s not in my control. So I can sit back and let it play out, and whatever it’s going to be, it’s going to be, and I accept that. I’m at peace with that," Anthony told Malika Andrews of ESPN. 

Anthony, a 10-time All-Star, has averaged 22.5 ppg throughout his career and ranks ninth in all-time scoring.