Last month reports began circulating that the Knicks were considering buying out Amare Stoudemire. A light bulb must have went off with STAT himself, as this week Amare spoke about approaching the Knicks brass over the all-star break and asking for a buy-out so that he could finish the season with a contender that needs the services of a big man to get over the hump.
Today league sources have told ESPN that the Dallas Mavericks are already the front runners to land Stoudemire should the Knicks grant his request for a buy-out of his contract.
The Dallas Mavericks would be considered front-runners to sign Amar’e Stoudemire if the 13-year veteran opts to pursue a contract buyout from the New York Knicks, according to league sources.
Given the wide spread news that the Dallas Mavericks are already front-runners to secure Jermaine O’Neal for the remainder of the season, it is somewhat surprising they are also showing interest in Amare Stoudemire. At first glance you may think they are hedging their bets to fill a need up front in their rotation, but reports today are circulating that the Mavs may be considering locking up both former all-stars if they can….
The Mavericks remain keen to sign Stoudemire’s fellow former All-Star big man Jermaine O’Neal, sources said, and are prepared to make the needed roster room to accommodate both O’Neal and Stoudemire should they become available.
Portland Trailblazers may want to have something to say about one or both of these big men landing in Dallas, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out. The tight Western Conference is about to get tighter if teams like Dallas and Portland are able to source talent to fill the every so tiny cracks in their rotations.
H/T – ESPN for the Quotes
