Amar'e Stoudemire Considering Asking Knicks For A Contract Buyout
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Amar'e Stoudemire's days with the Knicks might be numbered.
According to Yahoo! Sports, he's considering asking the organization for a buyout.
"It's not an easy decision to make," the 32-year-old power forward/center told Yahoo! Sports. "Over time, we will see how things pan out. You give yourself a break during the All-Star break. You think about it with your family ... That will give me a good solid week on how to weigh out the rest of the season."
According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks have had internal discussions about a buyout, though they haven't reached out to Stoudemire about it.
The six-time NBA All-Star is in the final season of his contract. He's dealt with injuries all season, and has played in just 32 of the Knicks' 49 games. He's missed the last four games but is expected to play this weekend against Brooklyn and Golden State.
The veteran is earning roughly $23.4 million this season.
"All possibilities at this point are still open," Stoudemire told Yahoo! Sports. "The door is still open for that. But at the same time, I am with the Knicks now. I got to stay optimistic about things and what we are doing here. I can't really focus on the future because it's not here.
"We still have a couple weeks left before it's all said and done. It's a decision I have to make with my family to figure out the best scenario for the near future."
The 2007 All-NBA First Team selection is averaging 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game. Because of his large salary, it's highly unlikely that he'll be traded before the Feb. 19 deadline.
"My loyalty is with (Knicks owner) Mr. (Jim) Dolan," Stoudemire told Yahoo! Sports. "I feel like New York is my home now. I feel like I'm a New Yorker for sure. I have a farm here. I have family and friends here. New York will always be my home, whether I am here playing for the Knicks or not."
The Knicks enter Friday's action with a 10-39 record, in last place in the Eastern Conference.
