New York Knicks: 7 Teams That Could Be Persuaded to Deal for Amar'e Stoudemire

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The New York Knicks, contrary to popular belief, would be able to find Amar’e Stoudemire a new home if they wished to move him.

Stoudemire has three years and over $55 million left on his uninsured deal, but again, he is not immovable.

Does his contract present a challenge? Of course, but under that sluggish, fire-extinguisher-punching season of his lies an incredible athlete who sparked MVP chatter just a year ago.

So, while it may prove slightly difficult, there are more than a few teams the Knicks could convince to take on Stoudemire if it ever gets that far.

Philadelphia 76ers

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The Sixers are fresh off an impressive playoff run that saw them lose in seven games to the Celtics in the second round.

Despite their improbable postseason success, Philadelphia is clearly in need of a star more polarizing than Andre Iguodala. Subsequently, if the Knicks were to come calling, the Sixers would undoubtedly listen.

Elton Brand is headed into the last year of his contract, and Spencer Hawes is set to explore free agency. Philadelphia may jump at the chance to add some depth in the low post, especially someone as athletic as Amar’e Stoudemire.

That said, it all comes back to finances. Iguodala’s deal is not one the Sixers would shy away from moving, giving the two sides the framework of a deal right there.

And let’s not forget, it was Philadelphia who came calling about Stoudemire last summer, so this may be an option they’re willing to explore.

Brooklyn Nets

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No, a Deron Williams for Amar’e Stoudemire swap makes little sense for the Nets.

That said, if all is quiet on the Dwight Howard front, Stoudemire could be just the star Brooklyn needs to retain Williams.

Sure, Stoudemire is approaching 30 and has had more than his fair share of injury problems, but when healthy, he’s as effective an offensive weapon as there is in the league.

The Nets have the necessary cap space to absorb Stoudemire’s contract and also possess a great bargaining chip in Gerald Wallace’s expiring contract (provided he exercises his player option) to get the ball rolling both financially and logistically.

A deal struck by the two sides would give Brooklyn the second star they so desperately crave while sparing the Knicks more than a few bucks.

Provided that New York is prepared to move Stoudemire, that’s a win-win.

Orlando Magic

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I’m by no means endorsing a pursuit of Dwight Howard, just simply noting the Magic would be a potential destination for Amar’e Stoudemire.

Orlando, as you know, has more than their fair share of unfavorable contracts. If the Knicks were willing to take back Hedo Turkoglu in any detail, this becomes more than a legitimate possibility.

If Howard is truly set on leaving, Orlando could also take the opportunity to include their big man in the deal in order to snag Tyson Chandler as well.

Stoudemire is from Orlando, and while there are hardly any emotional ties between him and the Magic organization, they’re a team that the Knicks could persuade to deal for him. 

Chicago Bulls

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Before you deem this insane, realize that both Carlos Boozer’s and Joakim Noah’s deals are back-loaded at least a year after Amar’e Stoudemire’s expired (two years in the case of Noah).

If Chicago and New York really wanted to, they can make this deal happen easily. In Stoudemire, the Bulls get financial relief up to two years earlier while also bringing in a talent that could run the pick-and-roll to perfection with Derrick Rose upon his return.

In fact, the framework we just laid for such a deal works so well for the Bulls that it would probably be the Knicks who need some convincing to push this accord.

Detroit Pistons

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The Pistons are in need of a partner in the low post for Greg Monroe and have a history of throwing financial caution to the wind.

Enter the Knicks.

Detroit has a few expiring contracts it could send New York in return for Amar'e Stoudemire, if it's willing to take a chance on his knees and disregard an entire season's worth of regression, that is.

Stoudemire would provide experience and grit to a team that continues to question their identity and remains in limbo. 

Are the Pistons rebuilding, or are they talented enough to make a playoff run?

If the Knicks decide to move Stoudemire, they will only have to convince Detroit of the latter before likely having an interested suitor

Charlotte Bobcats

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After missing out on Anthony Davis, Michael Jordan and the Bobcats will have an urge to make a franchise-altering move that drafting Michael Kidd-Gilchrist won’t satisfy.

Like Davis, Amar’e Stoudemire plays the 4, but can also play minutes at the 5 as well.

Charlotte has a bounty of expiring contracts they could send the Knicks' way in exchange for Stoudemire, providing New York with eventual salary cap relief and giving itself a cornerstone who, when healthy, could take a team like the Bobcats to the next level.

Losing out on the lottery will have left Jordan and the rest of the front office scrambling.

And the Knicks could easily take advantage of it if they wish to.

Houston Rockets

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It wasn’t too long ago that the Rockets were willing to take on Pau Gasol and his bloated contract, leaving Houston as a team New York could potentially trade Amar’e Stoudemire to.

The Rockets have a solid core in place, but they need a star, someone with warranted bravado, to lead them into the playoffs.

While Stoudemire’s contract runs one year longer than Gasol’s would, he could easily be a risk a Houston team thirsting for playoffs is willing to take on. Not to mention he could also serve as their solution at center.

Like the Bobcats, the Rockets have a flurry of expiring deals they could send over to the Knicks, including that of disgruntled point guard Kyle Lowry, who would fill an obvious need at point guard—Jeremy Lin or no Jeremy Lin—for New York.

If the Knicks opt to shop Stoudemire, this is definitely an avenue worth exploring. 

 

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