NBA Free Agency 2010: Amar'e Stoudemire Will Sign with the New York Knicks

After a weekend of persuasive courtship by the Knicks, Amare Stoudemire announced Monday that he will sign with the team on July 8th, the date when free agents are officially able to sign new contracts.

The new acquisition (although a steep one, reportedly at $99.7 million over five years) is the Knicks’ most notable one in years. Stoudemire also provides the team with massive creditability as it continues to attract some of the league’s best players via free agency.

LeBron James, clearly the best of the available players, has revealed that he will announce his decision as to where he will play next season during a primetime, one-hour special on Thursday night (July 8th) at 9:00 p.m. EST to be aired on ESPN.

The long-awaited decision certainly has Knicks fans all around the world incredibly anxious, as does the assumed signing of Stoudemire and every roster move over the last two-plus years leading up to this very moment. The concept of reeling in a star of King James’ stature and sheer talent in order to finally deliver another championship has been the ultimate goal.

In the meantime, fans can take pleasure in watching Amare Stoudemire’s initial appearance donning orange and blue (on his hat, anyway) as he met with the New York media for the first time Monday night.

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