For all the will they or won't they talk regarding the future of Amar'e Stoudemire, the forward will begin the season with the New York Knicks and it looks like he will end it in the Big Apple as well. Stoudemire opted in to his $23 million player option for 2014, eating a good chunk of the team's salary cap space. While many assumed the Knicks would simply trade him, a deal was not found. The closest they came to moving to forward was to Philadelphia and the 76ers are confirming those talks are over.
The 76ers and Knicks engaged several times in discussions for Stoudemire. The team has the most salary cap space of any other franchise and could afford to take on the veteran. After trading away Thaddeus Young to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there was certainly space for Stoudemire on the court. He would have been a quality veteran voice on a very young roster. However, the talks died out and will not be revisited.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Philadelphia never wanted Stoudemire. The deal was being pushed by the Knicks who were/are desperate to get rid of his contract and clear the cap space. Kyler writes "the ship has sailed." So for another season, the Knicks will be left frustrated with the inconsistencies of Stoudemire. However, not dealing the forward might end up being the best move for New York. At this point they will not get much in return for him considering his low numbers and injuries, so why deal him for another poor salary. Stoudemire will be gone at the end of the season anyways.
Now Stoudemire has to wonder if he will be a starter for New York next season or not. The team drafted Cleanthony Early who could turn out to be a star. They also have Andrea Bargnani who could see time at the position along with Orlando Sanchez. Replacements are there is Stoudemire struggles. According to Stoudemire, he will star and play more minutes than before.
"I think toward the end of the year last year we got it to a 30-minute-a-night, 35-minute-a-night type deal," said Stoudemire, via ESPNNewYork.com. "So I'm sure after I sit down with the coaches we'll pick out something that's going to be beneficial to both of us. I think the way the season ended up last year was a positive step for myself and also for the team to be able to really capitalize on those minutes."
