A disappointing stint on a disappointing team has come to an end.
According to the New York Daily News’ Frank Isola, the Knicks and forward Amar’e Stoudemire have reached a buyout agreement prior to Sunday night’s All-Star Game.
A 13-year vet, Stoudemire was in the final year of a five-year contract that pays him more than $23 million this season. With the buyout he’s now free to sign with any team once he clears waivers.
Melo on Stoudemire: "One of the main reasons I came to New York is because of him."
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 16, 2015
Among the interested teams include Stoudemire’s former team the Phoenix Suns as well as the Dallas Mavericks. San Antonio, Cleveland and the Los Angeles Clippers have also shown significant interest in the former six-time All-Star.
It was also reported that the Golden State Warriors were also interested in Stoudemire however ESPN’s Marc Stein refuted those rumors saying the team wasn’t in pursuit.
Warriors, I'm told, are NOT among the teams pursuing soon-to-be-free agent Amar'e Stoudemire
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 16, 2015
The 32-year old Stoudemire has a history of knee issues so he definitely comes with some red flags. However at the right price Stoudemire can be a formidable presence off the bench providing an offensive boost and nice presence in the paint. His time in New York though will certainly be remembered as a tremendous failure given the expectations of an NBA title with Carmelo Anthony.
So far this season, Stoudemire is averaging 12 points, 6.8 rebounds and an assist on 54 percent shooting in just about 24 minutes per game.
h/t: ESPN, New York Daily News, CBS (photo)
