Amare Stoudemire News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 15

Arizona Republic

"Suns forward Amaré Stoudemire missed shots in the lane Thursday night while being defended by the Lakers' Andrew Bynum, who is bigger, and Lamar Odom, who has a longer wingspan. But Stoudemire also missed a dunk, open jumpers and a shot inside against guard Kobe Bryant during the loss in Los Angeles. Including games in which he has taken at least nine shots during his NBA career, Stoudemire has not experienced a worse shooting performance than the 2-for-15 outing. But Stoudemire was not alone. The Suns shot 36.5 percent and had just one fast-break basket. "We look at it and say, 'Boy, that kind of size gives us problems,' " Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. "But other than them and Boston, no ..."

Wizards discussed Stoudemire deal

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November 9

Washington Post

"When Amare Stoudemire visited Washington in late May, he did a radio interview in which he expressed his "love" for the city and joked that the Wizards "could be a number one jersey away" from a championship. The Wizards attempted to make that happen, as they engaged in trade discussions with the Phoenix Suns about acquiring Stoudemire before the NBA draft, according to multiple league sources. The proposed deal involved swapping the fifth pick and No. 14 pick, with Antawn Jamison and other conciliatory pieces also mentioned in the discussions. The deal reportedly collapsed when the Suns wanted Caron Butler included. The Wizards eventually settled on a package with Minnesota for Mike ..."

Stoudemire stating his case

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November 7

Boston Globe

"Still a pup in the game of life at age 26, Amar'e Stoudemire wears his NBA experience on his face. A bushy beard. A reflective tone. An understanding that these may be his final days in Phoenix. The Suns have tried to trade him in the past. He is toying with the idea of opting out of the final year of his contract (worth more than $17 million) and becoming an unrestricted free agent, joining what is turning into the legendary class of 2010."

Suns' Amar'e searching for swagger

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October 30

Arizona Republic

"In Amaré Stoudemire's past two visits to play the Clippers in Los Angeles, he has posted a 42-point game in February and a 16-point effort Wednesday. He made one perimeter shot to score 42 in February. He did not make a shot in the lane in Wednesday's 109-107 Suns win. In between, there were three eye surgeries and weeks of inactivity to put him in search of his swagger. Some of the difference was how well Steve Nash thought the Clippers defended the pick-and-roll, how many extra bodies Stoudemire felt were put on him and how the Suns never got fast breaks. But there was also hesitation, such as when he had deep position on Chris Kaman in the fourth quarter but dribbled and pump-faked ..."

Amar'e making 'unbelievable strides'

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October 22

Arizona Republic

"Sacramento power forward Jason Thompson, all 6 feet 11 inches and 250 pounds of him, was at the free-throw line at US Airways Center on Tuesday night when the Suns' Amaré Stoudemire loudly chimed in from the lane. "I've got a mouse in the house at the other end," said Stoudemire, officially an inch shorter and a pound lighter. The classic line for a size mismatch in the post drew a dismissive "pffft" from Thompson, who later fouled out in 22 minutes of play. "That lets your teammates know that you're totally in tune," Stoudemire said. "You're ready to go. It lets the opposing team know that we got a problem on our hands." Stoudemire has been as confident in his comeback, often stating how ..."

Doctor gives Amaré's recovery rave reviews

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September 11

Arizona Republic

"The Suns' Amaré Stoudemire spent Thursday at ESPN, where he did interviews and is filming a commercial with mixed martial arts fighter Kimbo Slice. If Boris Diaw and Al Thornton pokes could damage his eye, Stoudemire ought to don his eyewear around Slice too. But Stoudemire's recovery from a detached retina gets a rave review from his surgeon, Dr. Pravin Dugel. "This injury is more serious than any he's had before," Dugel said. "This was more career-threatening. We came very close to having a lot of difficulty. With a traumatic detachment like he had and a lot of tears and scars in a person this young, the risk of losing vision is very high." Dugel said Stoudemire has 20/20 vision with ..."

Amaré back on court, with eyewear

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September 2

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire's competitive basketball play was back Tuesday and so was his eyewear. Going against a defender for the first time since a 42-point game on Feb. 18, Stoudemire played four-on-four, half-court games at US Airways Center with teammates also participating in voluntary workouts. "Sometimes, I felt like it was going faster than I expected, as far as competition," Stoudemire said. "Other than that, I felt great. To finally be back out there with the guys and running sprints with them, I got my family back. It's almost like you ran away from home for a while. Now, you're back home and you feel how great it is to be around your family." He was aggressive in his play, facing ..."

Wham-o for Amare

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September 2

Arizona Republic

"Picture Earl Clark with the ball on the right wing and Amare Stoudemire posting up about halfway up that side of the lane. Clark feeds Stoudemire an entry pass and clears the area, running the baseline to the weak side. Stoudemire, with defender on his back, spins left to the baseline before the defender can slide at all and "Wham-o," as Al McCoy would say. It's not just a possibility for future games. It was a happening Tuesday when Stoudemire got his first taste of competitive basketball in 6 1/2 months (the original story is here). It wasn't all an All-NBA flashback. The expected rust was there at times but he appears to be in superb shape and eager to mix it up. There was no ..."

Team-first concept still eludes Amaré

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August 28

Arizona Republic

columnist Paola Boivin

""The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom." Sun Tzu Are you paying attention, Amaré Stoudemire? This man you've come to admire, this military theorist whose moniker you've chosen to adopt, has some valuable insight on leadership. Surely somewhere in the Chinese general's book, The Art of War, is a chapter that says conjecture about your possible departure a month removed from Suns training camp is not the right approach to unifying a team, let alone a fan base. Sigh. Stoudemire has done it again, irking some with his comments Tuesday ..."

Stoudemire hints at leaving Suns

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August 26

Arizona Republic

"If 300 colorful letters arrive at the Suns office soon, imploring the Suns to keep Amaré Stoudemire, the impetus came Tuesday at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. In a lengthy lecture to the school's 300 children about education, Stoudemire mentioned he might be in Phoenix only one more year. State representative Cloves Campbell Jr. then urged the kids to write the Suns about the need to keep Stoudemire, saying: "I don't care if you write in crayon. We're getting those letters to the Suns." After his talk, Stoudemire reflected on his statement about leaving next year - he could choose to become a free agent by opting out of his final contract year. "This might be my farewell ..."

'Motivated' Amaré back on court

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August 19

Arizona Republic

""Suns forward Amaré Stoudemire returns from eye surgery to the court." Take 2. Stoudemire went through his first on-court individual workout Tuesday since undergoing a minor operation six weeks ago to remove more fluid from his right eye. He initially had eye surgery in February to repair a detached retina. Stoudemire was limited Tuesday to shooting and conditioning, Suns head athletic trainer Aaron Nelson said. Stoudemire could begin playing pickup games in two weeks, Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said after learning that the All-Star had an "excellent" check-up Monday with eye surgeon Dr. Pravin Dugel. Stoudemire was cleared to begin working out again three weeks ago and has done so ..."

Stoudemire opens up about future

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July 9

Arizona Republic

"The answers can't catch up with the endless questions surrounding Amaré Stoudemire's status with the Phoenix Suns, but Stoudemire gave it a whirl Wednesday. After his second on-court workout since his February eye surgery, Stoudemire talked publicly for the first time since the Suns nearly traded him to Golden State. Stoudemire clarified or reasserted points that he is healthy, wants to stay in Phoenix, does not want to play for Golden State and wants a maximum-level contract extension. Stoudemire is eligible for an extension before the season starts and can opt out of his current contract's final season (2010-11) next summer if his deal is not extended. "Right now, it all depends on what ..."

Suns have to trade Stoudemire

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July 2

East Valley Tribune

columnist Scott Bordow

"To know Amaré Stoudemire is to understand that what comes out of his mouth shouldn't be taken seriously. The man is a walking, talking contradiction. Stoudemire is done; so are Suns He all but campaigned for the firing of coach Mike D'Antoni, then, feeling handcuffed by Terry Porter, longed for the offensive freedom D'Antoni gave him. He was ecstatic when the Suns traded for Shaquille O'Neal, saying the move would allow him to play power forward, his natural position. A few months later, he was complaining that there wasn't enough room in the lane for him to operate. And, of course, there are his constant proclamations about wanting to be "the guy" yet never wanting to be held accountable. ..."

Stoudemire waiting for decision

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June 29

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire's camp has not heard from any other NBA team about the possibility of acquiring him or any interest in securing his future with a contract extension. Stoudemire's agent, Charles Grantham, said he would like to hear a commitment from one team in particular - the Suns. "Either he's in or out," Grantham said Sunday while in Phoenix. "You're going to have to really make a commitment to him that he's part of your program going forward and that you're going to work around him. Those decisions seemingly are still up in the air. They are going to have to be made at some point. You'll have to talk about either committing to him or trading him. "Those discussions haven't happened ..."

Curry pick part of likely Amare deal

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June 25

Arizona Republic

"The Suns likely landed their man in Thursday night's draft before their pick ever came up. Golden State's selection of Davidson point guard Stephen Curry at No. 7 was likely made for the Suns as part of an Amaré Stoudemire trade that can't be completed until Wednesday. That is because Phoenix would be acquiring Warriors center Andris Biedrins, a base-year compensation player, as part of a Stoudemire deal that would include more Warriors players, possibly power forward Brandan Wright and/or shooting guard Marco Belinelli. The Suns were hoping they could land Curry or Arizona power forward Jordan Hill with the Warriors' seventh pick but had their choice after Minnesota took neither with its ..."

Jefferson staying put with Wolves

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June 18

Boston Globe

"An NBA source said today that Minnesota forward-center Al Jefferson is not being traded to the Suns with the sixth overall pick for Suns All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire. An NBA executive told The Globe on Wednesday that both teams were discussing the trade. But another source said today that the Suns made the trade offer to the Wolves recently and were turned down. The source added that the Wolves new general manager David Kahn has even called Jefferson, an ex-Celtic, to tell him the trade would not happen. As for Stoudemire, the cost-cutting Suns definitely seem interesting in moving him and his hefty salary."

Jefferson on move again?

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June 18

Boston Globe

"An NBA executive told the Boston Globe today that the Minnesota Timberwolves is working a deal with the Phoenix Suns that would send former Celtics forward Al Jefferson and their sixth pick in next week's NBA Draft for All-Star Amare Stoudemire. The Suns, which have dangled Stoudemire for some time, fiound a suitor in Minnesota that is in transition. The team announced today that coach Kevin McHale has ended his 15-year association with the team. New basketball of operations David Kahn is looking to take the franchise into another direction."

Healing of Amaré's eye slow, steady

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May 22

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire is not jumping, jogging or biking. The most important functions for the Suns All-Star forward three months after eye surgery are resorbing and regenerating. After suffering a retina detachment that his surgeon believes has never happened to an athlete of his caliber, Stoudemire is enduring a healing process that moves in a stark contrast to how he has sped up and down the court for the Suns. From an October poke that tore his right iris to a February strike near the same eye, Stoudemire had suffered cumulative trauma that led to the Feb. 20 surgical discovery of relatively large tears on his right eye's retina. A thick fluid under the retina must be removed for Stoudemire ..."

Amaré rips Porter, Kerr talks future

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April 15

Arizona Republic

"The Suns won't be done with one of the NBA's winningest non-playoff seasons until Wednesday night's finale, but their business Tuesday had the feel of finality. The team gathered only to shoot the team photo, prompting an appearance by forward Amaré Stoudemire. Louis Amundson avenged a season of Shaquille O'Neal's bike thefts and barbs by filling O'Neal's van with pink Styrofoam popcorn. There was General Manager Steve Kerr discussing the team's future. Stoudemire hit rewind on the season by criticizing Terry Porter, the coach who was fired in February. Kerr put the scene on fast forward, clarifying that Steve Nash is part of the Suns' future but leaving the big men in question. ..."

Amaré on future: 'My plan is to be here'

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March 23

Arizona Republic

"The Suns' Amaré Stoudemire was a part of trade speculation a month ago and could be again in the summer, when he is eligible for a contract extension. He has a contract opt-out in 2010. "That's the most important thing, that my plan is to be here, but you never know how things will work out," he said."

Amaré to wear goggles 'from here on out'

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March 22

Arizona Republic

"For the first time since Alvin Gentry's debut as Suns coach returned joy to the locker room, Amaré Stoudemire walked back there an hour before Saturday's game. Wearing tortoise-trimmed Louis Vitton sunglasses for style and protection to his surgically repaired right eye, Stoudemire set off another party of player cheers and joined chants of the "Seven Nation Army" hymn the team brought back from Italy's soccer fans two seasons ago. Stoudemire's return was not symbolic of an imminent return. He merely has been permitted to attend games after living protectively following Feb. 20 surgery to repair a detached retina that put his eyesight in danger. "I can understand how a lot of the guys, ..."

Walsh: LeBron not only option

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March 17

New York Post

"Speaking candidly on a "Knicks on Demand" video for the team's Web site, Knicks president Donnie Walsh said he does not have all his eggs in LeBron James' basket and his decision to make trades to get under the salary cap in 2010 was a broader philosophical move. Speculation in recent weeks is King James isn't leaving Cleveland. "You always have a backup plan," Walsh said from his Westchester office on the videotape, in which he answers submitted questions from fans. "I really didn't know what the list of free agents were. "It wasn't like I was going after LeBron or this guy. It was just, we have to get in the free-agent market. The market in that year, I won't have to pick all the ..."

Surgeon: No playoffs for Amaré

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March 6

Arizona Republic

"The out-for-the-season diagnosis for forward Amaré Stoudemire initially left a sliver of hope that the Suns star could return for the playoffs should they qualify. Out means out. And "season" means, "See you next season." "Not this season, not at all," said Dr. Pravin Dugel, the Valley eye surgeon who operated on Stoudemire's detached retina two weeks ago. "The Suns have the same goal - to make sure he can resume his career. "It's very difficult to explain to anyone how serious this is. It's more serious than any knee or ankle surgery. The healing is excruciatingly slow and delicate." Stoudemire suffered multiple tears, new and old, and had a "very large" and "traumatic" retina detachment ..."

Amaré's eye could need more work

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February 21

Arizona Republic

"Valley retinal surgeon Dr. Pravin Dugel first saw Suns star Amaré Stoudemire on Thursday night on a referral from team ophthalmologist Jay Schwartz, who examined Stoudemire's right eye that afternoon. Dugel, with Retinal Consultants of Arizona, said Stoudemire's vision was disturbed as badly as 20/50 and he had blood in his eye. It was clear he had a "very large" retinal detachment on the nasal side. The ragged tears indicated they were caused by trauma. Stoudemire was struck near his eye Wednesday while fouling Al Thornton but that was not a sole cause. "I think it was an accumulation," said Dugel, who performed a similar surgery on the Coyotes' Landon Wilson in 2002 when a puck struck ..."

Amaré likely out for regular season

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February 20

Arizona Republic

"Suns All-Star power forward Amaré Stoudemire is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery this morning to repair a partially detached retina in his right eye. Stoudemire could return to physical activity in eight weeks but a team press release said that would “depend upon his healing process” and that his surgeon, Dr. Pravin Dugel of Spectra Eye Institute in Sun City, stressed that recoveries are on a case-by-case basis. The Suns' regular-season finale is eight weeks from today. This is the same eye that kept Stoudemire out during training camp when Boris Diaw poked it during a practice. At that time, Stoudemire suffered a partially torn iris with no damage ..."

Amaré wants to stay, has no ill feelings

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February 18

Arizona Republic

"It appears the Suns have made their big move - changing head coaches. Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said as much Monday in telling the media and his team that he "would like to keep what we have." But forward Amaré Stoudemire is "still not sure" despite his contention that he wants to remain with the Suns. "I hope so," said Stoudemire, whose family sat near Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver courtside seat Tuesday night. "I feel comfortable right now. "Calls are still coming in for sure. I don't think it's going to stop until the deadline is over. Teams are still inquiring about me, still want me. It's all about what the Phoenix Suns want to do." After two weeks of trade speculation, ..."

Bosh Rumor Gains Steam

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February 17

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Amare Stoudemire trade talk still has the Bulls among the teams most involved, but a new scenario making the rounds has the Bulls taking part in a three-team deal that would bring Toronto Raptors star Chris Bosh to Chicago. The rumored swap would send Stoudemire to Toronto and land the Phoenix Suns a package of players and draft picks from the Bulls, likely to include Drew Gooden and his expiring $7.2 million contract, Tyrus Thomas and a first-round pick. Gar Forman, the Bulls' director of player personnel who's expected to become general manager once John Paxson gives up day-to-day duties, reportedly has taken the lead in the talks with the Suns. Other teams said to be interested in ..."

Kerr suggests Amaré won't be traded

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February 17

Arizona Republic

"The Suns felt like they got their team back Monday afternoon when they practiced for the first time under interim coach Alvin Gentry. With orders to return to a "breakneck pace," there were non-stop scrimmages with a five-second backcourt rule reinstalled. Talking and walking was gone. Running and gunning was in. The session marked the return of an unabashed desire to push the tempo, one that remained after the addition of center Shaquille O'Neal last season. In their final 20 games last season, the Suns averaged 112.5 points and were 15-5. Monday's coaching change - Gentry replaced first-year coach Terry Porter, who was fired Sunday night - was welcomed by the players, and they might ..."

Stoudemire positive despite trade talk

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February 16

Arizona Republic

"Any thought that the Western Conference All-Stars might conspire to help Amaré Stoudemire win the 2009 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award disappeared amid a torrent of Kobe Bryant shots in the opening minutes of the West's 146-119 victory over the East on Sunday night at US Airways Center. If there was a plan to feed Stoudemire, Bryant - who wound up with 27 points on 12-of-23 shooting - must have missed the memo. Still, Stoudemire gave a pretty good farewell to the arena should it end up being his final game representing the Suns, finishing with 19 points and six rebounds after being voted into the starting lineup by fans. "It was phenomenal," he said of the night. "I had a ..."

Cavs’ bid for Stoudemire falls flat

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February 14

Yahoo! Sports

"Believing that Amare Stoudemire could make the difference with winning an NBA title and ultimately keeping LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a bid to the Phoenix Suns for the All-Star power forward, two league sources familiar with the offer said Friday. Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry offered the expiring contract of Wally Szcerbiak, rookie J.J. Hickson and a first-round pick for Stoudemire earlier in the week, sources said. Anderson Varejao was mentioned in a possible scenario too, sources said. Nevertheless, the proposal has generated little enthusiasm out of Suns GM Steve Kerr. When asked about the Cavaliers’ interest in Stoudemire on Friday, Ferry texted to Yahoo! ..."

Amare Stoudemire expects to stay with Phoenix Suns

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February 14

Chicago Tribune

"Amare Stoudemire turned a corner at a downtown hotel Friday, saw about 50 reporters swarming a table reserved for him at NBA All-Star weekend and smiled. "What's going on at Stoudemire's table?" the four-time All-Star said. "Cocktails on me?" Actually, just another day of wild rumors and speculation regarding the 26-year-old forward's future. Some Bulls fans would buy drinks for management if it pulls off a trade for Stoudemire. And with Miami sending Shawn Marion and his $17.8 million expiring salary to Toronto on Friday, many believe the Bulls' chances to do so improved. Stoudemire isn't among them. "I do see the Suns keeping me," he said. "I'm leaning more toward 60-40, with 60 ..."

Stoudemire warms to courtship

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February 14

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Amare Stoudemire feels loved. Far from being a distraction, the trade rumors that have swirled around Stoudemire, the Phoenix Suns' All-Star forward, have reaffirmed his self-worth. Or at least this was the message he conveyed to reporters at the Phoenix Convention Center on Friday. "It's all good," he said of the rumors, which have included a potential deal to the Grizzlies. "I mean, why not? I got 20 teams, maybe even more, calling my agent every day about acquiring me. So it feels good to know that teams want me and actually appreciate my game." The Suns were said to have offered Stoudemire to the Grizzlies for Rudy Gay, Mike Conley and Hakim Warrick, but Grizzlies owner Michael ..."

Cavs a contender for Amare?

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February 14

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The rumor mill surrounding the NBA trade market exploded following the first major trade of deadline season with Shawn Marion moving from Miami to Toronto for Jermaine O'Neal. In its wake, several media outlets, including ESPN, hinted the Cavs have emerged as contenders for the Phoenix Suns' Amar'e Stoudemire. According to multiple league sources, the Cavs have indeed had talks with the Suns since Stoudemire became available and have discussed various packages that would work, including expiring contracts, draft picks, cash and young players, namely rookie J.J. Hickson. However, the Cavs still aren't sure they want to alter their chemistry and also believe there are other teams ..."

Agent: Amaré wants a say in trade

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February 13

Arizona Republic

"There is one indication that Suns trade talk involving forward Amaré Stoudemire has not advanced far: His agent has not heard from the Suns about any proposals. Former National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Charlie Grantham, Stoudemire's new agent this season, equates this portion of trade exploration as fantasy basketball, with the majority of the teams exploring the possibilities. When it gets to reality, Grantham said, he will want Stoudemire to have a say, because he will not want to go just anywhere. Grantham reiterated that Stoudemire prefers to stay in Phoenix and sign an extension, a topic he won't broach with Suns leaders until the off-season. "I feel he's a ..."

Grizzlies brass veto Stoudemire offer

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February 12

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley acknowledged his recent involvement in trade discussions regarding All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire and said he rejected the Phoenix Suns’ proposal. “We had conversations,” Heisley said Wednesday, confirming a Yahoo Sports report that Phoenix owner Robert Sarver initiated contact with Memphis. “But there is no deal on the table. I think they’ll go somewhere else.” Heisley didn’t discuss specifics about the talks, only saying that he spoke with Sarver twice and the Suns were firm in their requirements for dealing Stoudemire. Apparently, moving Stoudemire within the Western Conference isn’t a factor, and a player agent with reliable trade information ..."

Stoudemire rumors

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February 11

Bergen Record

"Amid the frenzy of rumors surfacing about the seeming inevitability of the Suns trading Amar'e Stoudemire by the Feb. 19 deadline, there's been little mention of the Knicks, considering that Mike D'Antoni and two of his assistants coached the athletic big man in Phoenix. There's little talk because a source familiar with the team's thinking says D'Antoni and Co. aren't exactly fond of Stoudemire, particularly his defense and overall focus. They're even less interested if getting him means surrendering David Lee - unless they also could shed either Eddy Curry's or Stephon Marbury's salary in a deal. One Internet report "suggested" a Lee-Marbury-Nate Robinson package for Stoudemire and ..."

Amaré says Suns are unified

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February 10

Arizona Republic

"Suns star Amaré Stoudemire said he takes pride in keeping spirits up in the locker room, even during some of their recent struggles. He said the team has stayed unified and has a good time together. So as trade talk has increased, some comments have rankled him. "I heard (ESPN analyst) Avery Johnson say one time that I was a bad locker-room guy or whatever," said Stoudemire, who also named ESPN analyst Tim Legler. "That's total BS. We get along so well outside the locker room. We hang out with each other probably more than any team in the league as far as camaraderie, as far everyone hanging out together. We try to enjoy ourselves." Stoudemire talked with admiration about how San Antonio ..."

Suitors aplenty for Amare

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February 10

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Bulls are far from the only team talking to the Phoenix Suns about a deal for Amare Stoudemire. The Golden State Warriors haven't hidden their interest, and the New Jersey Nets admitted their talks with the Suns were unproductive. Bulls general manager John Paxson declined to comment on Stoudemire. But a source shot down one report that the Bulls and Miami Heat were the front-runners to land Stoudemire, saying the two teams that have offered the most for the All-Star forward have yet to be publicly identified. According to Miami media, the Heat has been trying to get Suns president Steve Kerr to take back Shawn Marion, who went to Miami for Shaquille O'Neal last February. The Heat also ..."

Cash concerns crunch Amare

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February 10

Toronto Sun

"A franchise building block who excels on basketball's block, Amare Stoudemire has heard his name mentioned in rumoured deals involving as many as seven teams. At last count, anyway. Whether he gets moved prior to next Thursday's NBA trade deadline is a question that likely won't get answered until 3 p.m. strikes on Feb. 19. The bottom line behind the mounting Stoudemire speculation literally is the bottom line. He knows it as do the many teams that covet the enigmatic Phoenix Suns power forward, whose mental makeup never has matched his physical prowess. "I think it's all about what they want to do and what they're trying to do financially," Stoudemire said about the Suns' intentions. ..."

Warriors not likely to land big man

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February 10

San Francisco Chronicle

"It's one thing to covet All-Star power forwards Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh. It's quite another to land them in a deal, as Golden State is discovering. Though multiple league sources said that the Warriors indeed have inquired about both players, it doesn't appear that their search for a big-time big man will be over anytime soon. Two sources said that, as of Monday, no serious talks or trade proposals had been exchanged between Golden State and the Suns or Raptors, and one source added that it appears likely the Warriors will not make a move before the Feb. 19 trade deadline. What's the official company line? "We're doing our business," said assistant general manager Larry Riley, ..."

The addition of Stoudemire could brighten the Cavaliers' future

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February 9

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Several things were clear about the Cleveland Cavaliers' first home loss on Sunday. The Lakers' defense forced the Cavs to take jump shots (which the Cavs missed); and the Cavs did not have a defensive answer for the Lamar Odom inside the paint. Something else was also made clear: If the Cavs want to improve their chances of winning a championship, they will have to acquire a player who can score and defend inside. That player will be in uniform at The Q on Wednesday night ---- Suns forward Amare Stoudemire. Clearly, the Cavs have had trouble defending or scoring down low. Presently, the Cavs don't have any consistent low-post scorers. There's no one who can consistently score on the ..."

Nets, Suns talk

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February 9

Bergen Record

"The Nets have had exploratory talks with the Suns about Amare Stoudemire, but have not made a formal offer for the All-Star power forward, league sources said. Phoenix is talking to many teams about Stoudemire, who can opt out and become a free agent in 2010. The Nets are expected to be in the Stoudemire sweepstakes because they have young players on short deals, expiring contracts and draft picks - all the things the Suns want. The Nets likely would consider dealing everyone beside Devin Harris and Brook Lopez for Stoudemire. But there are risks. The Nets would have to know Stoudemire's surgically repaired knees are healthy and he would re-sign with them, before doing a trade, especially ..."

Amare Stoudemire hears, not fazed by trade rumors

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February 9

Detroit Free Press

"With a Feb. 19 trade deadline approaching, Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire has been at the center of the rumor mill. Stoudemire told the Associated Press before Sunday's game that he's used to it. "It's part of the job," he said. "Some years you have to deal with trade rumors and some years you don't." Talk heated up and then cooled about Stoudemire joining the Pistons in a possible deal for Rasheed Wallace. Stoudemire did not address rumors about joining the Pistons. "I try not to focus on anything but the game, but I hear all the scenarios," Stoudemire said. "It's nice to see that good teams are interested in you.""

Stoudemire pledges to elevate game

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February 8

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire has a carrot for any team seeking him in a trade or one for the Suns to keep him. He pledges that another level of his play is coming. The Suns could use that from Stoudemire and his teammates as they preface the All-Star break with a three-game trip that starts Sunday in Detroit, continues Monday in Philadelphia and ends Wednesday at Cleveland, where the Cavaliers are undefeated. "If we have a solid trip, that would be great momentum going into the second half of the season," Stoudemire said. "Every season since my rookie, after All-Star break, my game goes up a notch because we're closer to the playoffs and buckling down and focusing in. "That's how it was last year ..."

Chicago Bulls have the pieces needed to acquire the Suns' Amare Stoudemire

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February 8

Chicago Tribune

"The Bulls are among a handful of teams that have engaged in trade discussions with the Suns for four-time All-Star Amare Stoudemire, according to league sources. It's unknown what specific proposals, if any, the Bulls have presented and one league executive stressed it's too early in the process to declare any team the front-runner for the big man's services. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 19. It's also unclear if the Bulls are convinced Stoudemire is a good fit, given he owns an opt-out clause after the 2009-10 season and almost certainly will be demanding a maximum contract that would run six seasons and rise from about $20 million annually. Stoudemire, 26, also is perceived as an ..."

Bordow: It's time to trade Amaré

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February 7

East Valley Tribune

columnist Scott Bordow

"If he wanted, Amaré Stoudemire could be one of the five best players in the NBA. His talent is that precious, his athletic gifts that bountiful. Jerry Colangelo was so wowed by Stoudemire's potential in a 2002 pre-draft workout that after 15 minutes he turned to the other team executives and said, "This is our guy." For a few years, at least, Stoudemire seemed to be growing into his role as a franchise player. But somewhere along the line, he quit progressing. His game stagnated. He changed management teams more often than he pulled down offensive rebounds. No longer is Stoudemire, 26, a beast for the Suns. He has become a burden, both on the court and in the locker room. And now, with the ..."

An unfamiliar role awaits Stoudemire

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January 23

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire is not only a starting All-Star for the first time. He's a small forward for a change, too. Voted in by fans as the second forward along with Tim Duncan of the Spurs, the Western Conference's top vote-getter at the position, Stoudemire will open the Feb. 15 All-Star Game on his home court in Phoenix in an unfamiliar place - the wing. "I need to bring my trainer back into town and get to work on my handles," said Stoudemire, the first Suns' All-Star starter since Steve Nash in 2006. "Take LeBron (James) off the wing and to the rack. We've got to get that win for the West." Stoudemire joins Duncan, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and ..."

Stoudemire issues mount for Suns

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January 21

Arizona Republic

"After the Suns' worst loss of the season, the fingers can point just about anywhere, but much of the fans' wrath starts with reason No. 1, as in the franchise player's number. Amaré Stoudemire scored three points Monday at Boston. It was his career's worst scoring game in which he played at least 30 minutes. It also was his most precipitous game-to-game dropoff, after scoring 31 on Sunday. The frustrations with Stoudemire are not solely about offense, although Sunday's 30-point game was only his third of the season. He had 21 30-point games last season under Mike D'Antoni, whose Knicks host the Suns today, and 13 of the 21 came after Shaquille O'Neal was acquired in February. There are ..."

Amaré 'to get gorilla game on'

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January 19

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire slammed on the Toronto Raptors five times, laid in others and drained the last four jumpers he took Sunday. Stoudemire wanted to be feared again. His 31 points a 117-113 Suns win at Toronto is a good start. It was his highest scoring game since he scored 49 at Indiana on Nov. 5. "I'm about to get my gorilla game on," Stoudemire said. "It's more striking fear in an opponent's heart, trying to dominate." He looked like The Gorilla coming off the trampoline in the fourth quarter as he and Steve Nash reconnected in a familiar pick-and-roll game. "It's not going to change," Stoudemire said. "Nash and Stat is a heck of a one-two punch. "The way we played is just a stepping ..."

I'm not feared anymore

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January 16

Arizona Republic

"In a game that Shaquille O'Neal did not play, five Suns players took more shots than Amaré Stoudemire. In a nip-and-tuck game that went to overtime before Phoenix lost 119-113 to Denver, Stoudemire took one shot after the 7:18 mark of the third quarter. He brought on some of that by his foul trouble, which saw him draw three in the first half and two more in the third quarter. Some came by his mistakes, like two consecutive third-quarter turnovers, or passivity. But his only overtime opportunity when the game was still competitive came on his offensive rebound, after which he drew a foul for two free throws. "We're still trying to figure it out," Stoudemire said. "It's going to take a ..."