New York Knicks NBA News, Rumors 2015: Knicks to Buy Out Stoudemire's Contract
The New York Knicks are focusing on a major rebuild right now. The team reportedly agreed in principle with Amar'e Stoudemire for a contract buyout.
According to the Associated Press, New York will abruptly end Stoudemire's $100 million contract, which is supposed to expire by the end of the season, through the buyout.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News further gave information about the proposed waiver, even hinting that the 6'10" forward/center could end up with a new club by the end of the All-Star break.
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Citing a league source, the report said that Stoudemire will be likely to have his waivers cleared by Wednesday, making him free to sign a contract just before the season resumes on Thursday.
The Knicks' team officials neither confirmed nor denied the buyout as they are focused on hosting the NBA All-Star Game. However, fellow superstar Carmelo Anthony confirmed that it indeed took place.
"It's hard for me to believe [that Amar'e will leave]. It hasn't really sunk in," said Anthony to the press after the game, where his East team lost to the West, 158-163, behind Russell Westbrook's 41 points.
Anthony also admitted that the signing of Stoudemire in 2010 helped a lot in his decision to move to New York from Denver.
"One of the main reasons why I'm a New York Knick today was because of him," Anthony continued.
In spite of his sadness, Anthony said that he respects the decision of his friend. "To see him leave, to see the situation where it's at right now, I know what he wants and you have to respect that," he concluded.
Stoudemire averaged 12 points and 6.8 rebounds so far this season in what could be his final stint with the Knicks.
The 2003 Rookie of the Year, who spent the first part of his career out of high school with Phoenix, saw his numbers fall in New York due to injuries.
