Amare Stoudemire Trade Talk Won't Die Despite Improved Play

The tension builds as the NBA trade deadline inches closer.

Will he stay or will he go?

The “he” of course, is Amare Stoudemire. The “will he” seems more of a matter of when than if.

Two weeks ago, it seemed a guarantee Stoudemire would be gone before the Feb. 18 deadline. Now, a five-game winning streak and Stoudemire’s talk of not opting out of his contract have muddled affairs.

No longer a sure “expiring contract,” teams looking to acquire Stoudemire must be sure they want him next season. That includes his penchant for subpar rebounding (picked up during the Suns’ streak), his lack of focus on defense (likewise improved), and the prospect of paying the max in order to keep him.

Despite the Suns’ recent success, however, the Suns continue to hold active discussions about dealing their All-Star forward. Apparently the Suns’ brass aren’t swayed from thinking Stoudemire is not the man to take them to the promised land.

The Arizona Republic reported today talks with Philadelphia remain ongoing. Any deal with the Sixers would land athletic swingman Andre Iguodala with Phoenix, where he could flourish playing alongside Steve Nash. A new scenario had Stoudemire going to Detroit in a three-way trade involving Philadelphia, with the Sixers getting guard Ben Gordon.

If such is the case, what then, is the Suns’ direction for the future?

Nash appears to be safe from relocation, but with no Stoudemire, he may be forced to take on a mentor-like role as the Suns develop what young talent they have.

Once-criticized draft picks Robin Lopez and Goran Dragic have earned vital roles in the Suns’ rotation this season. Inquiries regarding either second-year player have reportedly been turned down, indicating Phoenix considers them equally vital to the future of the franchise.

Last week word leaked out the Suns were attempting to package guard Jason Richardson with Stoudemire in a deal with the Sixers, hoping to land Iguodala, defensive force Sam Dalembert, and a third player. Phoenix was rebuffed; Philadelphia prefers guard Leandro Barbosa’s contract to that of Richardson.

Surprisingly, Phoenix did not bite on the deal, despite Barbosa’s injury-riddled season. The Brazilian super-sub is having his worst season since the 2004-05 season, averaging just over 10 points-per-game.

However, keeping Barbosa may make sense if Phoenix does in fact plan to build around a youthful core. A foundation of Barbosa (27), Dragic (23), Lopez (21), three-point marksman Channing Frye (26), sixth man Jared Dudley (24), and rookie Earl Clark (22) may be more appealing to Phoenix than a couple years of quasi-contention with an inconsistent Stoudemire, and veterans Nash, Richardson, and Grant Hill.

The Suns’ youth as presently constituted does lack star power, which is what the Suns hope to acquire if/when they deal Stoudemire. Iguodala (26) could address that.

The one thing that does appear certain: Stoudemire’s recently increased efforts apparently came too late to guarantee his stay in Phoenix.

Originally posted on Fanster.com.