More on Amar’e

by Tommy Dee on June 29th, 2009 at 12:09 am

Via the Arizona Republic:

“…Stoudemire’s agent, Charles Grantham, said he would like to hear a commitment from one team in particular – the Suns.

“Either he’s in or out,” Grantham said Sunday while in Phoenix.
“You’re going to have to really make a commitment to him that he’s part of your program going forward and that you’re going to work around him. Those decisions seemingly are still up in the air. They are going to have to be made at some point. You’ll have to talk about either committing to him or trading him.

"Those discussions haven't happened yet."

Discussions about trading Stoudemire have happened. A deal with Golden State unraveled after Thursday’s draft over the Warriors’ unwillingness to part with No. 7 pick Stephen Curry. A Suns-Warriors trade remains possible with something added to the package of Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright and Marco Belinelli.

The commitment Stoudemire is seeking from the Suns is more than just being told he won’t be traded. He wants a contract extension when he is eligible later this summer. Grantham considers Stoudemire a maximum-salary player worth an extension averaging more than $20 million per season.

Grantham and Suns General Manager Steve Kerr spoke Sunday and plan to talk more soon…”

Here’s what we know. Amar’e wants nothing to do with Golden State because he wants to sign somewhere long term, which we reported was the snag for any possible deal. We’ve been hearing that Amar’e, not shockingly,  is still a little apprehensive about his eye injury, which could be the reason why he’s looking for his extension this summer.

The Republic reported  that:

“Stoudemire was cleared to work out a week ago for the first time since February surgery to repair a detached retina. Grantham said Stoudemire’s right eye will fully recover.

“I have no doubt he’s going to play extremely well next season,” Grantham said. “Hopefully, it’s here for the Suns and they’re moving toward a championship. If not, we’re prepared and should be prepared to look at other options.

“His best years are ahead of him. We’re all reasonable people. We should be able to sit down and figure this out.”

It just won’t be in Golden State, from what we’re hearing.
  • joetheknick

    Could it be the knicks for Lee, Jeffries and Robinson and yes our draftee Toney Douglas. I believe our foursome compares well with GSW offering. Could this be the first superstar? Your thoughts

  • Chris Alvino

    Call me crazy, but that is too much for Amare. Lee alone is better than anything offered by Golden State. Perhaps Lee, Mobley, and a filler can get it done.

    Actually, I misread the Jeffries part. Ehh…. to get him off the payroll, I would consider it.

  • joetheknick

    I agree it is a steep price. Maybe too steep. I want to keep Lee. I am believing Tommy’s prediction that we will make reasonable deal with Lee. Jeffries should be movable to a play off team. Robinson may be paired with Curry and sent to Dallas for some expiring contracts and role players. The mystery to me is for 2010. If not Lebron who.