Amare Stoudemire is Big Apple-bound after the free agent power forward finalized a five-year deal worth nearly 100 million dollars on Monday to play for the New York Knicks and perhaps bring along a special pal.
“The Knicks are back,” said Stoudemire in a press conference at Madison Square Garden. “I am looking to build something special. This is a perfect situation for me. This is a legendary city.” The deal, however, cannot be inked until Thursday, when the moratorium period on free agent signings is lifted.
While the league nervously waits to see what top free agent prizes, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will do, Stoudemire took the first leap in what can be considered the beginning of a long overdue rebuilding programme for the once-proud Knicks who have failed to make the playoffs the past nine seasons.
“It’s a situation where no one wanted to make the first move,” said Stoudemire, who averaged 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds in all eight NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns. “I felt confident enough to take the first step. Hopefully, I can get guys to join me.” With Stoudemire coming to Broadway, the five-time All-Star is out to persuade James to leave his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers and an additional 30 million dollars behind to join him in the league’s biggest market.
“I think he knows how great this city is, how great the fans are,” said Stoudemire of the reigning two-time NBA MVP. “I’ll talk to his guys, I’ll reach out to him and see if he wants to play in New York.
“Playing with LeBron would be great, but again, I’m not sure what his decision is and where he’s leaning. If he’s leaning more toward New York, then that’s a great start for us.” The Knicks were granted a second meeting with his agent, Leon Rose, on Saturday, two days after conducting their formal proposal when teams were allowed to negotiate with free agents. James is expected to make his decision later this week.
