New York Knicks president Phil Jackson continues to work to clear payroll this offseason, and Jackson has talked to the Philadelphia 76ers about a deal for Amar'e Stoudemire, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post and Ian Begley of ESPN New York. Stephen A. Smith first reported the discussions on ESPN's First Take.
Knicks trying to trade Amar’e Stoudemire to 76ers
The Knicks are trying to move Stoudemire in order to create more flexibility, and the Sixers may be willing to take on the big man.
Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Stoudemire will make $23.4 million next season, which is more than Carmelo Anthony can make at the max.
Why this makes sense
While Stoudemire did post some solid numbers last season, especially toward the end of the year, he’s still not close to being worth his contract. And although he’s still a dangerous offensive weapon, his defense leaves a lot to be desired.
Cleveland Calling
The Sixers have the cap space to absorb Stoudemire's contract, and if the Knicks could deal the big man into that space, it would give them more flexibility to make other moves. That includes the possibility of taking back players in a sign-and-trade, in addition to having the full mid-level exception at their disposal as opposed to just the taxpayer mid-level exception. The difference between the two exceptions is about $2 million in the first season, and perhaps having the full mid-level would give New York a better chance at Pau Gasol.
Why this doesn’t make sense
$23.4 million is a lot for Stoudemire, but he does only have one season left on his deal. In order to move Stoudemire to the Sixers, the Knicks would have to attach an asset to him, and the names of Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr. have been bandied about in discussions. Would it really be worth dumping a quality young player when Stoudemire's big contract will be off the books next summer? It's debatable, and it may hinge on the follow-up moves.
The fact that Stoudemire did finish the year strong and is apparently healthy for the first time in three summers is also something to be considered. If Anthony returns to New York, Stoudemire could help the Knicks try to make a return to the postseason next season.
Likelihood
Jackson is clearly being aggressive in trying to improve the roster for next season. Right now, it appears there may be some hang-up about the asset heading to Philadelphia along with Stoudemire, but it wouldn’t be all that crazy if the Knicks pulled something off here. I’ll give it a 4/10 chance of happening.
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