Carmelo Anthony Phoenix Suns speculation swirls after Kevin Durant, Chris Paul comments

Are Kevin Durant and Chris Paul trying to recruit Carmelo Anthony to join the Phoenix Suns?

Speculation is swirling about Phoenix potentially being a landing spot for Anthony, 38, after recent comments made by the Suns teammates.

Durant recently told Bally Sports: "I think he has the talent to play in our league," when referring to Anthony, an NBA free agent.

Last month, Paul told the New York Daily News: "Melo is one of the best to ever to play the game. I’m obviously biased and hope he’s in the league soon because somebody of that caliber, with that ability, with the heart that he has, and the stuff he’s done for the game — he should be able to walk off the court when he’s ready."

Anthony hasn't played in the league this season, but he showed he could still contribute in a reserve role last season for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 13.3 points per game in 26 minutes of action in 69 contests.

Would Anthony be a good depth piece on the Suns? Speculation has run rampant after Durant and Paul's comments about the 10-time NBA All-Star.

More:Phoenix Suns favored to win Pacific Division, Western Conference in NBA odds

NBA Analysis Network's Aidan Wohl really liked Anthony's potential fit in Phoenix.

He wrote: "Should the Suns make the move and acquire Anthony, they will receive much-needed depth and veteran leadership since losing key pieces from their championship runs such as Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, and Jae Crowder via the Durant trade. Plus, the Suns could also gain more chemistry from signing Anthony with star point guard Chris Paul being one of his closest friends on and off the court. This could potentially provide a spark for Phoenix as it will take some time for the team to pick up where they left off since the blockbuster trade."

Bleacher Report wondered if Anthony would be a defensive liability on the Suns.

Joseph Zucker wrote: "However, Anthony's defense — or lack thereof — becomes a more glaring issue in the postseason, which is undoubtedly a consideration for any team that might want to sign him. The Blazers had a minus-16.0 net rating with him on the court during the 2021 postseason, per NBA.com. It was a similar story during the 2020 playoffs (minus-17.1 net rating)."

More:Kevin Durant criticism, 'ring-chaser' narrative follows him to Phoenix Suns. Is it fair?

Clutch Points speculated that Anthony could be a great addition to the Suns' lineup.

Paolo Songco wrote: "The Suns lost Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson as part of the Durant blockbuster trade. They also (finally) parted ways with Jae Crowder in the same deal. While they did get some bodies back as part of the exchange (apart from KD, of course), there could still be some holes to fill in Phoenix’s lineup, especially in their second unit. Carmelo Anthony could fill this void for the Suns, and while he is no longer the superstar he once was, Melo could still provide some quality minutes off the bench for his team."

Fadeaway World detailed Paul's connection with Anthony.

Aikansh Chaudhary wrote: "Chris Paul has always been a supporter of Carmelo Anthony. On top of that, CP3 and Melo share a long friendship, which could play a crucial role in helping onboard Carmelo Anthony. Although Anthony may not be the player he once was, he can still be a crucial piece in the Phoenix Suns' quest to win the 2023 NBA Championship. Melo's natural scoring ability will further help the Suns' apparent strategy of outscoring their opponents in every game."

More:Phoenix Suns' ticket prices for Kevin Durant's first game vs. Oklahoma City Thunder rising

Former Suns player Jamal Crawford speculated about the Suns potentially trying Anthony out on TNT recently.

"I mean will Carmelo get a flyer now with Phoenix?," he asked. "There's a guy like Isaiah Thomas getting a flyer. With spacing another guard you just never know, but the good thing I love about it's so open. Every team believes they can win. If they do that they're going to make that move. They're not going to think twice about it."

Could Carmelo Anthony get a shot to extend his career and win a title with the Suns?

More:Here are the 5 'best' Phoenix Suns lineups with Kevin Durant

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns' Carmelo Anthony rumors swirl after Kevin Durant comments