Amar'e Stoudemire on Retirement: 'I Think I'm Wrapping Up Soon'

Amar'e Stoudemire, who is currently playing overseas for Maccabi Tel Aviv, said Monday that he believes his career is coming to a close. 

"I think I'm wrapping up soon. I'm missing my family," he said during an interview on Fox Sports' Listen In With KNN (8:30 mark, h/t Eurohoops). "I've been away playing overseas for four years now. It takes six-seven months per year to play. And I'm missing my children so it's been tough these last four years playing overseas for me."

Stoudemire, 37, spent 14 seasons in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, averaging 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds for his career. He was a six-time All-Star. 

He last played in the NBA in the 2015-16 campaign, since transitioning to a career in Europe and Asia. Stoudemire is happy with his second act:

"I enjoy the beautiful cultures around the world especially in Europe and in the Middle East. I played in China. The Chinese culture was fun for me, having this experience. Also in Europe going to Athens (Greece), Spain, Russia and these countries that I probably would've never experienced or wanted to go to. But the game of basketball allowed me to experience the world."

Stoudemire has played for Israel's Hapoel Jerusalem in two different stints, the Fujian Sturgeons of the Chinese Basketball Association and Maccabi Tel Aviv. He also returned to the United States in 2018 and played for Tri State in the BIG3. 

It's been quite a career for Stoudemire, spanning three continents. But it sounds as though the long-time hooper is getting ready for a life of retirement.