Phoenix Suns Looking To Unload Jason Richardson with Amare Stoudemire

If the Suns have their way, Stoudemire won't be the only high-priced, high-scoring asset to be shipped out of town.

Jason Richardson, welcome back to the trading block.

Despite Stoudemire and Richardson's improved play during the Suns' five-game winning streak, little love is being shown them as Valentine's Day draws near. Rather than the recent success quelling Phoenix's "sell now" attitude, Suns VP David Griffin was seen taking in the Hornets/Sixers game Friday night while Phoenix was thumping Sacramento.

The significance of Griffin's presence lies in Philly being the one rumored Stoudemire destination that may become his real landing place. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Suns have been pushing a Stoudemire/Richardson package deal, hoping to acquire high-flying Andre Iguodala, shot-blocker Sam Dalembert, and either Willie Green or Jason Kapono in return.

The Sixers' hesitation in completing the deal is money-related. With Stoudemire's recent crowing about possibly not opting out of his contract this summer, Philly's desire to absorb Richardson's contract ($14.4 million next season) is minimal, as the Sixers are one of a plethora of teams looking to save.

Philadelphia has countered, asking for Suns guard Leandro Barbosa in place of Richardson. Barbosa's contract is a year longer, but less than half the hefty price tag of Richardson.

A package of Stoudemire and Barbosa would necessitate the deal being strictly two-for-two—Iguodala and Dalembert for the two Suns' players.

Phoenix could ask a draft pick be included in the latter deal in order to sweeten the pot. The Suns, however, appear intent on ridding itself of Richardson's contract despite his blossoming role as the designated scorer while playing with the bench unit.

It is interesting to note the Suns are actively shopping Richardson, despite his improved play, rather than Barbosa. The Brazilian's contract would be far easier to negotiate in any deal.

On the basketball side, Barbosa is having his worst statistical season since the 2004-05 campaign, averaging just over 10 points-per-game (42-percent shooting, 33-percent in threes) in only 29 games this season due to injury.

As for Stoudemire, many in the Valley of the Sun find themselves second-guessing whether the All-Star starter should be dealt at all. During the Suns' five-game winning streak, Stoudemire is averaging over 27 points-per-game and over 12 rebounds-per-game.

Suns' brass apparently think his increased production may be merely a mirage. Stoudemire has never been a consistent rebounder or defender, and Phoenix may be hesitant to commit to what the last five games have shown as opposed to the norm of the last eight years.