March 7
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
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Because it's all about July 1, 2010, another no-pretense look into what everyone is wondering about, anyway. -- An impending free agent if he opts out, Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire acknowledged last week that his best avenue this summer could be a sign-and-trade to one of his prime suitors from last month's trading deadline. Of course, acquiring Stoudemire in a trade, as opposed to free agency, would be huge for the Miami Heat, because it then could retain its Bird Rights with players such as Udonis Haslem, Dorell Wright, Jermaine O'Neal and Quentin Richardson (or at least those left after a trade), and therefore be able to exceed the salary cap to retain its incumbent free ..."
February 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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There's no doubt the Hawks caught a break on Wednesday when the Clippers traded away half their team and Baron Davis decided his back was too sore to play. Props to the Hawks for handling their business, but they will get no such break tonight. After what seemed like months of speculation, the Suns didn't trade Amar'e Stoudemire before the deadline. He talked with Suns brass over dinner last night and says he has no hard feelings. So the Suns are at full strength except for Leandro Barbosa (wrist). They are also trying to hang onto a playoff spot in the Western Conference. No doubt they also remember this (dang that was my first game as beat guy and it seems like a year ago.) The Hawks ..."
February 16
Cleveland Plain Dealer
columnist Bill Livingston
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When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's Amar'e. (Although it could also be Jamario.) When the world starts to shine like the Celts in decline, that's Amar'e. (But only if he comes here.) The proposed trade of J.J. Hickson and Zydrunas Ilgauskas to Phoenix for Amar'e Stoudemire has all of pro basketball dancing to the Cavaliers' tune. Stoudemire is a five-time All-Star, a 20-point-per-game fixture, and a consistent double-double threat in points and rebounds. He shows no aftereffects of microfracture knee surgery earlier in his career. He is not a perfect fit at this late stage of a memorable season, but his "up" side is high enough to justify the risk. Objections to the ..."
February 15
ESPN.com
columnist Chris Broussard
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While Cleveland has zeroed in on Amare Stoudemire, it benefits the Suns to let the process play out until the last hours before Thursday's deadline. Sources with knowledge of the negotiations said Saturday night that the Cavs and Suns were in serious talks about a deal that would send Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson to Phoenix in exchange for Stoudemire, one of the league's most dominant big man. Stoudemire is averaging 21.2 points and 8.6 rebounds on the season. But reports that the five-time All-Star Stoudemire could be headed to Cleveland have led other clubs to spice up their offers to Phoenix, according to sources. The ball is now in Phoenix's court. The Suns are mulling over ..."
February 15
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Michael Cunninghan
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Probably you hear about Cleveland's pursuit of Amare Stoudemire and figure that if that deal with Phoenix gets done, whatever chance the Hawks had of toppling the Cavs disappears unless the Hawks also make an unexpected big move (or at least a move for a big). After all, if Cleveland adds Amare andthen as expected brings back Ilgauskas after the Suns buy him out, those two plus Shaq would give the Cavs three long big men in the pivot (four if you count Varejao). That's three or four better options than the Hawks if you consider Horford to really be a four, which he is (Amare is the same height as Al but probably plays bigger). Here in Dallas, though, there is some head-scratching about ..."