Rumors continue to swirl around the future of Amar'e Stoudemire. The forward has an inflated contract to his name on a team desperate for salary cap space. The New York Knicks are looking less and less committed to the one-time star, but cannot seem to get another team to pick him up. Phil Jackson continues to push deals but after another round of negotiations stall out, is the Stoudemire trade drama finally over?
On Tuesday it was reported by Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors that the Philadelphia 76ers were aiming to ramp up negotiations once again for the forward. The 76ers had been going back and forth as to whether or not they were interested in the veteran. With one of the youngest rosters in the league, having an experience player like Stoudemire would certainly benefit them. There was also the salary cap issue. Philadelphia must get above the minimum salary cap line by the deadline and taking on Stoudemire's heavy contract would certainly achieve that goal.
However, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders is reporting that all deals for Stoudemire are likely over. The Knicks are simply asking for too much in return for a player that has suffered injuries over the past two years and has shrinking stats because of it. Kyler believes the Knicks are not getting any interest because they have their hearts set on getting draft picks and young assets in return for Stoudemire and he simply is not worth that anymore.
Instead, the Knicks will retain Stoudemire through his contract and likely start him at center during the season. Jackson may opt to start Andrea Bargnani at the four spot with Carmelo Anthony at the three and JR Smtih and Iman Shumpert battling for the two spot. The Knicks have some options with both Jason Smith and Samuel Dalembert on the roster as both as serviceable defenders. Barring any surprise trades of Shumpert, Jackson and head coach Derek Fisher will try and get some new looks from the young player.
The Knicks will simply have to be patient when it comes to improving. Jackson has announced he will not be spending any more money this offseason and with a lack of trade interest, the roster likely stays as is. Stoudemire and Bargnani come off the books next summer which is when New York will have the most financial freedom to upgrade.
