Immediately following the All-Star Game in New York City on Sunday, the Knicks and Amar’e Stoudemire reached a buyout agreement. After signing a five-year, $99 million contract in 2010, numerous championship contenders will look to bolster their frontcourt depth.
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While the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs are interested in him, Stoudemire is leaning toward signing with the Dallas Mavericks at this point according to ESPN’s Ian Begley:
Ex-#Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire is leaning toward signing with the Dallas Mavericks at this point, per sources.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 16, 2015
During the 2010 off-season, the Knicks had ample cap room to pursue big-name free agents. While the franchise was unable to land LeBron James, Stoudemire quickly established himself as an MVP candidate. In his first season in New York, Stoudemire averaged 25.3 points and 8.2 rebounds.
With the addition of Carmelo Anthony via trade from the Denver Nuggets in 2011, the Knicks were expected to be a contender in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, Stoudemire suffered numerous knee injuries and was put on a minutes restriction the last couple of seasons in hopes of preserving him.
In 36 games for the Knicks, Stoudemire averaged 12.0 points and 6.8 rebounds in 24.0 minutes.
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