Here's the first major chip to fall. (That's right Joe Johnson, you're not even a major player in my books. Enjoy that max contract, Hawks.) I don't think you can win a title with Amare as your best player, so the Knicks are hoping this is just step one of the process.
More than that, how are his numbers going to look now that he's not getting that boost from Steve Nash anymore? This could potentially blow up in New York's face, though with D'Antoni's system, it's also possible that he won't miss a beat. Either way, the Knicks still need a good point guard.
Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me.
This isn't quite a done deal yet. I wouldn't be shocked if it does become official, and it would be nice to have a big man that can run the floor and score almost at will, but now you need another big man who can rebound and play defense as well as a PG and another scorer.
On a scale of 1 to Lebron on my excitement level over this move, I'd say it's only a 6.5 but could go up depending on who else they can sign and what they can do with the Curry deal. I also wouldn't be heartbroken if this deal falls through.
PHOENIX (AP)—A person with knowledge of the situation says Amare Stoudemire’s days with the Phoenix Suns are over after the team reached contract agreements with forward Hakim Warrick and center Channing Frye.
The person told The Associated Press that Warrick agreed to a four-year, $18 million deal on Friday, shortly after Frye agreed to a five-year, $30 million offer to re-sign with Phoenix. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the contracts can’t be signed until July 8.
The two agreements mean any deal with Stoudemire would put the Suns far over the amount the franchise is willing to pay. The two sides negotiated for three hours without success Wednesday night just before the deadline for players to become free agents.
Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me.
If Amar'e Stoudemire is the only big free-agent signing the Knicks can get their hands on, Donnie Walsh will be run out of town on a rail. (Shortly thereafter, an overzealous Knicks fan will find Isiah Thomas at Florida International for some retribution, too, most likely.)
"Say, the next time you want to win your daughter back, you could just try giving her a pony, the apocalypse doesn’t really cut it!" --The Prince, Prince of Persia (2008)
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NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks have reached an agreement in principle with free agent Amare Stoudemire.
The All-Star forward was seeking a maximum contract that would reunite him with coach Mike D'Antoni.
Stoudemire can earn about $100 million in a five-year contract from the Knicks. Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, said last week there was a "structure of an offer on the table."
Stoudemire arrived in New York on Saturday and the free agent met with team officials on Monday afternoon. Team president Donnie Walsh said the Knicks decided to pull the trigger on the Stoudemire deal because he was the only player that has told the Knicks thus far that he wants to play for them.
Good luck to them, because they'll need it. Without David Lee, they're not making much of upgrade.
MD: You have to win, no matter what. SC: Why didn't you try that this year?
Originally posted by It's False Good luck to them, because they'll need it. Without David Lee, they're not making much of upgrade.
Exactly
After the initial reports things seemed to cool down and I thought this wasn't going to happen, I'm a Knicks fan you think I'd be done with wishful thinking by now. I just don't get how this is a big upgrade over David Lee. If you traded Lee and Amare last year, doesn't Lee put up really nice stats in the Suns system running with Steve Nash and doesn't Amare and the Knicks finish about where they were last year?
I guess I'll hold out being a total pessimist until I see what they bring in around him, but I'm not overly thrilled at the moment.
Originally posted by It's False Good luck to them, because they'll need it. Without David Lee, they're not making much of upgrade.
Exactly
After the initial reports things seemed to cool down and I thought this wasn't going to happen, I'm a Knicks fan you think I'd be done with wishful thinking by now. I just don't get how this is a big upgrade over David Lee. If you traded Lee and Amare last year, doesn't Lee put up really nice stats in the Suns system running with Steve Nash and doesn't Amare and the Knicks finish about where they were last year?
I guess I'll hold out being a total pessimist until I see what they bring in around him, but I'm not overly thrilled at the moment.
It is a move in the right direction in terms of showing the others (wade and LeBron) that the Knicks are "getting" better. Both Wade and LeBron wanted Amar'e on their team. Perhaps with Amar'e in NY, one of them decides to sign there knowing that 1) the Knicks can trade Lee in a sign and trade package for Monta Ellis or Tony Parker to satisfy the PG position and 2) Eddie Curry's contract comes off the books next year so they CAN make a deal during the season for a big time piece or wait until next year and sign a max free agent.
I am not a huge Amar'e fan and do not think this will lead to anyone else signing, but it at least shows the Knicks are trying.
For me, the POSSIBILITY to get better is greater with Amra'e on the team as oppossed to him not there.
"The Knicks are back," Stoudemire said when the deal was announced. Sorry, Amare, but by yourself, you are not that good.
Now, if they get LeBron James, on the other hand, that's a horse of a different color. But I'm unconvinced he's going to leave the Cavs.
"Say, the next time you want to win your daughter back, you could just try giving her a pony, the apocalypse doesn’t really cut it!" --The Prince, Prince of Persia (2008)
Fan of the Indianapolis Colts (Super Bowl XLI Champions), Indiana Pacers and Washington Nationals
Certified RFMC Member-- Ask To See My Credentials!
Co-Winner of Time's Person of the Year Award, 2006
And so ends David Lee's time with the Knicks. If he does wind up with the Warriors in the rumored sign & trade, I could see him achieving a Tom Tolbert level cult following.
Amare is just going to be another overpaid former all star who is just going to cash his checks and underperform like almost every big name free agent who has ever donned a uniform in Madison Square Garden (Yes, I am STARING at you too Glen Sather). I'm just glad I don't have seats anymore.
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