NBA Trades: Steve Kerr Talks Amar'e Stoudemire To Wizards, Sixers

Amare Stoudemire isn't just the subject of internet rumors. He's at the center of NBA general manager talks as recently as today.

According to Sports 620 KTAR Radio in Phoenix, Steve Kerr has been active in talks with the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards about a deal centered around Stoudemire.

With regards to a potential Washington deal, the report said Kerr is not interested in acquiring Wizards' forward Antawn Jamison due to his age, and that a potential package would include at least forward Caron Butler and guard Randy Foye.

Such a deal would be a case of the Suns trading "big for small," which has rarely worked out in past NBA trades for the recipient of the smaller player(s). Examples of such deals include the 1992 trade involving Philadelphia dealing Charles Barkley for Tim Perry, Jeff Hornaceck, and Andrew Lang, as well as the Wizards' dealing Chris Webber for Mitch Richmond in 1998.

It would also present a logjam at small forward for the Suns, with veteran Grant Hill and sixth man Jared Dudley already manning Butler's position. Hill would either have to be brought off the bench, or the Suns could go small, playing Butler at power forward with three-point marksman Channing Frye continuing his reserve role.

The deal would work well for Washington, who could slide Jamison to small forward, where he has played in the past thanks to his shooting ability.

There is reason to doubt Stoudemire would want to re-sign with a non-playoff team. Given the Wizards' desire to clean house after the Gilbert Arenas gun scandal, they may be satisfied with the cap-room Stoudemire's expiring contract would provide this summer.

The reported potential deal with Philadelphia seems to be the more enticing fit for Phoenix. KTAR reported the Sixers were willing to trade star Andre Iguodala and center Samuel Dalembert for Stoudemire "and another player."

Who that player might be wasn't specified, but Suns' guard Leandro Barbosa's contract would fit the bill in terms of salary numbers matching in the deal. Barbosa is currently out with a wrist injury.

Iguodala would likely provide the Suns the most talented player they could hope to get for Stoudemire; the young, athletic swingman would provide Steve Nash his most prolific running-mate since a young Shawn Marion, albeit with a better ability to get his own shot. Iguodala would likely play several positions for Phoenix.

Dalembert, meanwhile, would give the Suns an experienced shot-blocker and rebounder, as well as a mentor to further expedite Robin Lopez's progress.

The Suns may very well ask for a draft pick or a young player, such as forward Marreese Speights, if they are to package another player with Stoudemire.

Given that the Sixers have no guarantee as to whether Stoudemire would stay beyond this season, they may have no desire to go beyond their offer of Iguodala and Dalembert.

(Click here to listen to Suns podcast Seven Minutes or Less, and their take on the trade)