New York Knicks Update: Roster & Trade News, Carmelo to Get $62 Million, Plus Season Predictions

With Carmelo Anthony back in the fold, the New York Knicks could be on their way to a championship berth for the 2014-2015 season. With Anthony set at his $22.4 million salary and Derek Fisher calling the plays, and Phil Jackson running things in the front office for New York, it appears there's a solid chance this could be New York's year.

The team has taken on a complete overhaul in it's direction, and the players have too. Reports said Anthony shed pounds to play small forward in a triangle set up, photos on social media show he's slimmed down so that he can make the most of his new 5-year contract. 

As the website hoopshabit says, the Knicks are "stocked with several quality young players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Cleanthony Early, both acquired in recent drafts who are ready to provide depth at multiple positions."

And with Anthony back, one of the team's stars, the Knicks have worked out a deal with him where he'll get around $62 million in advanced payments. "The seven-time All-Star will receive half of his $22.5 million salary this season early," the Wall Street Journal reported. "His contract is set up the same way for future years too," the newspaper wrote. That works out to half the value of his entire deal, all of it through advanced pay.

The 2014-2015 roster will include the following players, according to ESPN.com: Amar'e Stoudemire, Jason Smith, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, Pablo Prigioni, Travis Outlaw, Toure' Murry, Kenyon Martin, Shane Larkin, Louis Labeyrie, Tim Hardaway Jr., Cleanthony Early, Samuel Dalembert, Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, Carmelo Anthony, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Cole Aldrich, and Quincy Acy.

But not everyone is convinced the Knicks are sure contenders for a title. CBS Sports says that although the team looks much better than last year, they are still far from perfect, but do have a few things to be happy about, especially from the new talent on the team. "They can harness the energy and scoring of Tim Hardaway Jr. off the bench," CBS said, "And make him part of a squad that tries to run your defense ragged."

The Knicks open the basketball season with a home game against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 29 at 8p.m., followed by the next day with a trip to Cleveland to battle it out with LeBron James and the Cavaliers on Oct. 30.