- Thread starter
- #1
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2007
- Messages
- 127,713
- Reaction score
- 2,100
The Portland Trail Blazers have made a strong play for Amare Stoudemire, discussing a package that includes LaMarcus Aldridge, Jerryd Bayless, and Raef LeFrentz's $12.7 million expiring contract, a person with direct knowledge of the talks told CBSSports.com Tuesday.
The Blazers have four extra second-round picks in the next two drafts to offer, plus the rights to British big man Joel Freeland, taken by Portland with the 30th pick in the 2006 draft.
Freeland has reportedly been included in the talks.
The Raptors are "pushing hard" for Amare Stoudemire, according to one executive, but at this point they want to pair Stoudemire with Chris Bosh and continue to rebuff any trade proposals that include parting with Bosh.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh called the Suns about Amare Stoudemire recently, but a source indicates that New York isn't a possible destination for the Phoenix forward.
"The sense was they wouldn't do anything with New York," one person with knowledge of the situation said.
Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald is reporting that the Phoenix Suns have little interest in Miami forwards Michael Beasley or Shawn Marion in any deal involving Amare Stoudemire.
Phoenix, apparently, view Tyrus Thomas as a better fit than Beasley.
The Suns traded Marion to the Heat for center Shaquille O'Neal last year.
A source familiar with New York's thinking claims that coach Mike D'Antoni and his staff aren't very fond of Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire.
D'Antoni coached Stoudemire with the Suns, who are reportedly fielding offers for the former All-Star this month.
Charlie Grantham, agent for Suns' star Amare Stoudemire, has told the Arizona republic that his client wants a say in any trade that he is involved in, because he will not go just anywhere.
"I feel he's a (maximum-salary) player," Grantham said. Stoudemire can't veto a trade, but he could discourage a team with a lack of desire for a long-term commitment.
If the Suns get serious about a trade involving Stoudemire before Thursday's deadline, Grantham expects to be consulted.
"A place that may be a real good deal for them may not be the best place for us," said Grantham, who is in Phoenix. "In that case, we would not be interested in signing an extension. I would think most teams would not want to rent him for a year and a half. They would want him to sign for more years and know that he's interested in staying."
The Thunder have reportedly entered the Amare Stoudemire sweepstakes, and are also looking to find a taker for reserve point guard Earl Watson.
Oklahoma City has the proper mix of expiring contracts, draft picks and young talent to acquire from Phoenix.
Meanwhile, Watson is making $6.2 million this season and will earn $6.6 million in 2009-10.
According to league sources, Chicago and Cleveland are among the contenders for Amare Stoudemire. The Bulls would send Drew Gooden and his expiring contract ($7.1 million), Tyrus Thomas (this season at $3.7 million, next season at $4.7 million) and Thabo Sefolosha ($1.9 million and $2.7 million this season and next, respectively) to the Suns. The Cavaliers are believed to be offering a package including the expiring contract of Wally Szczerbiak ($13 million), Anderson Varejao ($5.7 million this season with player option worth $6.2 million for next season) and rookie forward J.J. Hickson ($1.3 million this season and $1.4 million next), although more pieces would need to be included to make that deal work.
One NBA general manager said Portland and Chicago have the best chance to land Amare Stoudemire, while Memphis is also a contender. Other suitors reportedly include Cleveland, Detroit, and the Clippers.
"There's a lot of rumors about Chicago," said Stoudemire, 26. "A lot of rumors about Cleveland, Miami. Any situation for any team I go to, I bring a lot to the table."
ESPN 1000 in Chicago is reporting that the Suns and Bulls are very close to agreeing on a trade that would send Stoudamire to Chicago, in exchange for: Tyrus Thomas, Gooden, Thabo Sefolosha, and Cedric Simmons. Ric Bucher also backing up report.