words_Nick Engvall
The NBA Free Agency period saw its first aggressive chess move take place yesterday. Former Phoenix Suns power forward Amare Stoudemire has signed a 5-year, approximately $100 million dollar deal with the New York Knicks.
Of course Knicks fans, and the organization, have had their sights set on LeBron James for the last few years, which still remains a focus until LeBron signs a deal. However, signing Stoudemire reunites him with Coach Mike D’Antoni, who runs an offense that Stoudemire fits like a glove. This will
Although the Knicks might have their sights set on James this season, it seems to be next season that Amare is looking forward to. Stoudemire already planted seeds of Tony Parker and/or Carmelo Anthony coming to join him in New York in next summer’s off-season. Either of the two could end up in New York this year with a trade this year, but the Knicks freed up so much cap room over the last few years that the quality of player needed to trade for an all-star like Carmelo or Tony Parker, is non existent in New York.
Even if the Knicks were to only land Stoudemire in this year’s free agency, the team will be substantially better. Amare’s career averages of 21 points and nearly 9 rebounds per game, both hit the highest totals in his career with Mike D’Antoni running things in Phoenix.
With cap space for another max contract player, the Knicks getting Stoudemire is not only the first big name of the off-season, but it is a solid start to rebuilding the lackluster team that has disappointed fans in Madison Square Garden over the last few years.
The list of free agents is still full of talent that would fit nicely next to an all-star like Amare, so New York should be able to add another key piece to their rebuilding puzzle soon.
With the Knicks dropping 100 Million on Amare, I highly doubt that Lebron will be wearing a Knicks uniform this coming season.
The funny thing this off-season, is that LeBron’s stock seems to be going down, and other FA’s are taking advantage of it.
I never thought LeBron would go to New York though, I just don’t see the D’Antoni system winning, or LeBron thriving in it, the Run’n’Gun is too quick for a guy as big, and strong as LeBron.
With Lebron lagging his decision and most likely not ending at Knicks. NY made a right decision in making noise, good start on building a team.
They had to sign Bosh or Amare in attempt to lure a perimeter player this summer or in the future. Not sure I see it working this year – but perhaps Anthony if the extension doesn’t go through. Maybe a trade for Chris Paul if that situation continues to trend downward. I don’t hate the move.