NBA Trade News, Rumors 2015: Amar'e Stoudemire Heading to the Dallas Mavericks
Amar'e Stoudemire is now bound to play with the Dallas Mavericks after his buyout negotiation with the New York Knicks over the weekend was successful.
ESPN reported that on Monday, the Knicks waived Stoudemire's five-year $99.7 million contract which he signed with the team in July 2010. After waivers are cleared, the 32-year-old Florida native will already become a free agent at 5 p.m. ET.
"I feel truly blessed to have been able to play for the incredible New York fans, Mr. Dolan, my coaches, teammates and the entire Knicks organization for the past five years," Stoudemire said (via ESPN). "I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively on the court and in the community."
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"Although I leave the Knicks with a heavy heart, I wish the organization the best of luck. Once a Knick always a Knick," he went on to say.
An report from RealGM.com states that the six-time NBA All-Star player's deal with Dallas Mavericks will be worth $477,150.
The NBA star, who averaged 12 points and 6.8 rebounds in 36 games during his run with the Knicks, was also eyed previously by the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns but has opted for the Mavs.
According to the site's sources inside the league, this decision could give him "a chance to compete for a championship." Moreover, he can also be of a great addition to the "much-needed frontcourt depth to a Western Conference contender's bench."
"The Mavs envision Stoudemire as a key bench player who will back up center Tyson Chandler and see spot duty at power forward behind Dirk Nowitzki. He will provide the Mavs with a quality replacement for Brandan Wright, the high-efficiency reserve big man the Mavs gave up in a December deal to acquire Rajon Rondo," Marc Stein of ESPN explained.
