New York Knicks rumors: Knicks interested Chris Copeland, Jason Thompson?

By Andrew Melnick | Jul 21, 2014

Nov 20, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots over Indiana Pacers small forward Chris Copeland (22) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers defeated the Knicks 103-96 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks attempted to be major players in the 2014 offseason. They dealt center Tyson Chandler and point guard Raymond Felton to the Dallas Mavericks for point guard Jose Calderón, center Samuel Dalambert, swingman Wayne Ellington, point guard Shane Larkin and two second round picks that wound up being former Wichita State Shockers’ swingman Cleanthony Early and Greek swingman Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the brother of Milwaukee Bucks’ swingman Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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As they became nervous about Anthony leaving in free agency, they tried to clear cap space to sign another free agent. Although they were not successful in that regard, they did get Anthony to re-sign, which was their goal all along.

Now, Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors believes the Knicks want to sign a backup to Anthony or another big man and offers up Indiana Pacers’ forward Chris Copeland and Sacramento Kings’ big man Jason Thompson.

"I would imagine the Knicks would like someone who could serve as a backup to Carmelo Anthony at either forward position. Someone like Chris Copeland actually makes sense, although the Pacers are trying to clear salary, too. I could also see them getting involved with the Kings and perhaps taking on Jason Thompson if Phil and Derek Fisher want to go with more big lineups."

The suggestions of Copeland, who averaged 3.7 points per game while shooting 47.0% from the field, 41.8% from beyond the arc and 71.4% from the free throw line and Thompson, who put up 7.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and 57.9% from the charity stripe, make sense because they are players that can probably be had. Copeland actually spent the 2012-2013 season with the Knicks.