Saw this on facebook, how do you guys feel about this poosible trade?
Knicks and Suns Discuss trade
Could
Amar’e Stoudemire be on his way back to Phoenix?
It’s no secret around the NBA that Phoenix is in need of front court help. The
Suns have a plethora of point guards on their roster and a lot of money tied up with three players that are essentially the same player. And as
Howard Beck has reported, the Suns could be potential sellers as the trade deadline approaches because of the money they have wrapped up in their current trio of guards and the uncertainty of
Goran Dragic free agency status next summer.
I spoke with a
New York Knicks team official today that preferred stay anonymous, but was told the Knicks have been pleasantly surprised with Stoudemire’s durability and production thus far and would entertain offers for the power forward. The source went on to say that Phil Jackson would certainly listen to offers regarding Stoudemire despite his
expiring $23.4 million contract if it meant bringing back a young player that could help with their future.
“Phil Jackson believes Amar’e Stoudemire has played the best out of any Knicks player in the triangle offense so far and thinks that teams will be interested in the power forward as the trade deadline approaches.”
Jackson also thinks the Knicks could bring Stoudemire back next year, but knows Amar’e could add value to a team looking to make a push this season. This puts Jackson in a difficult situation though, because he sees the value he gives the struggling Knicks along with his huge expiring contract, but knows the team isn’t going anywhere this season, so teams could offer the Knicks value moving forward for Stoudemire.
And one team Jackson has talked to is the Phoenix Suns. Phil loves what Eric Bledsoe brings to the table and believes he could be a great compliment to Carmelo Anthony. Jackson would prefer to have Goran Dragic because he feels his mid-range and three-point shooting compliments the Knicks triangle offense much better, but understands his contract and opt out clause could hinder any type of potential trade.”
The team official would go on to say that no deal is imminent but both teams remain very interested in making a potential deal. I wasn’t told anything about a potential third team, but that seems like it could be a possibility as well.
Stoudemire has played well this year, but teams will always have to be concerned about his health. Stoudemire does seem like a logical fit for the Suns as the team could use a veteran low post presence and STAT has shown flashes this year of his old dominating self. However, I find it hard to believe that the Suns would part ways with any of their guards for just Stoudemire, but the Knicks could offer possibly Iman Shumpert – who the
Suns have been intrigued with for years.
One thing to keep an eye on moving forward is the tough Western Conference playoff chase. It looks like the Suns will be in a battle for the eighth spot with New Orleans and Oklahoma City. The Suns have lost six straight and may look to make a trade sooner rather than later with hopes of staying in the chase. It seems logical that the trio of guards the team has haven’t meshed well and a power forward like Stoudemire could help the Suns snap out of their funk while providing the team with a much-needed offensive presence on the block.
The Knicks could definitely use a young piece they deem a part of their future. If New York could land Bledsoe to go with their probable lottery pick next summer, they could be back on track next year. Even with Bledsoe’s contract, the Knicks will still have around $10 million – possibly more, to add a third piece to their roster. Another words, the
future isn’t as cloudy as some NBA analysts think.
Stay tuned…
