The only person that guarantee he will be a member of the New York Knicks next season is Carmelo Anthony and that is only if he truly wants to be. With Phil Jackson now taking his spot on top of the New York franchise, no one is safe. It is safe to assume the Knicks are going to be making a lot of roster moves in the offseason and Amar'e Stoudemire is hoping he is not one of them.
Stoudemire's tenure with the Knicks has been hot and cold at best. After signing a five-year, $99.7 million contract back in 2010, it was expected that the forward would help bring multiple championships to New York. However that has yet to happen as Stoudemire seems to spend more time on the bench than on the court. Knee injuries and bad chemistry have hurt production and Stoudemire is a leading candidate to be traded or released this offseason. He remains hopeful that is not true.
"I want to be a Knick for life and win multiple championships here. I don't want to go anywhere else, especially with Jackson coming in," Stoudemire said, via CBSSports.com. "He has an incredible legacy; it's probably unmatched. With a leader like that, it can only become a positive output with that type of leadership. He's been around great organizations, from Chicago to L.A., so now joining us with the Knicks, it's great to see. Regarding the Triangle offense, it's funny because I've been hearing that it would be great for me for the past six years. It could be possible that we implement the Triangle offense, and I just can't wait to perfect whatever system we're going to be in. I'm ready to get to work now."
Stoudemire will be a free agent in 2015. The last thing Knicks' fans want to hear is that he is returning with a new contract. The center has the choice to opt out at the end of this season, but the opportunity to play one more season for $23.4 million is too enticing. Stoudemire would not get that deal anywhere else considering his injury history.
However, if Stoudemire is going to remain with the New York Knicks, a pay cut is in his future.He simply will not have the leverage to command another marquee deal. Stoudemire is one the verge of turning 33 and if he is not traded before that, a much smaller contract is headed his way.
Tyson Chandler could also be under that umbrella in the offseason. Trade rumors have surrounded the defensive star most of the season. While Chandler has expressed his desire to remain with the Knicks during the Phil Jackson hire, he could be shown the door sooner rather than later.
