According to Dan Feldman of NBC Sports, Amar’e Stoudemire was going to use the All-Star break to decide if he wants to be bought out or not.
Apparently the decision has already been made, according to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report:
“Stoudemire’s representatives are pushing for a buyout, and the Knicks seem inclined to grant it, according to sources.”
“The following players, per league sources, are also considered likely buyout candidates if they are not traded by the deadline: Andrea Bargnani (New York); Brandon Bass,Tayshaun Prince and Marcus Thornton (Boston); Andrei Kirilenko (Philadelphia); Willie Green (Orlando); Randy Foye and Darrell Arthur (Denver).”
Amar’e Stoudemire’s tenure in New York has been a very lackluster one to put it lightly. When the move was first made, it seemed like a great decision. Now, with the Knicks at the bottom of the standings, it’s time for him to move on to a contending team and see how he can help coming off the bench.
There will definitely be a market for him. Teams like the Suns, Mavericks, and Warriors could use another big man on the depth chart. Stoudemire’s experience would come in handy during the playoffs and he could be a serious contributor off the bench.
The only problem standing in his way is the issue with how much money he’s going to negotiate for the buyout. His salary this season is $23 million, and he’s owed about $8 million for the rest of the season. He’ll most likely have to take a little less money. This move for the Knicks, however, should be a no-brainer. Stoudemire won’t be in their long-term plans, so why not pay him some money and free up a roster space to see what some of the young guys have to offer?
