Heading into the All-Star break there have been a rash of big man injuries to playoff contenders that suddenly have Amar'e Stoudemire in high demand amongst teams. The power forward has just made a return to the court following a long stint of various injuries and as the New York Knicks consider moving on from him following the NBA trade deadline, several other teams are viewing him as an option for the second-half of the season.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Knicks are prepared to buyout the contract of Stoudemire should all trades go unnoticed by the deadline. The power forward told the media that he is loyal to the Knicks and his five-year, $100 million contract, but he is also thinking of future possibilities, noting the losses are taking a toll on him.
"We got to see when that time comes. As of right now my loyalty is with New York and that's what it's going to be," Stoudemire said, via the New York Daily News. "I'm sure eventually we'll get to the conversation where we try and iron things out. We're not there yet. I gave it all, man. I gave my heart, my body and my soul. I truly gave it all. I'm still giving. I'm still dedicated to the game of basketball. I'm still dedicated to New York State and the New York Knicks."
Teams are waiting in the wings to acquire Stoudemire on a cheaper contract. While no one has any interest in trading for the often-injured forward, a lot of teams like the idea of signing him for help heading into the postseason. According to Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News is reporting the Golden State Warriors will make a run at Stoudemire if and when he becomes an option. While the forward is no longer the player he was three years ago even, he is a viable option as a backup in the 4/5 role coming off the bench for a small stretch of minutes. The Warriors need someone who can power his way to the rim and finish scoring and Stoudemire still has that capability for a short time each game.
The Dallas Mavericks have already been reported as a potential suitor for Stoudemire as they lost most of their size to a trade for Rajon Rondo. With Tyson Chandler dealing with ankle injuries and Chandler Parsons hurt, Stoudemire would be strong depth for the team. The Los Angeles Clippers are also keeping an eye on the Knicks veteran. The team lost Blake Griffin to shoulder surgery and could use Stoudemire's size for help down the stretch of the season.
