Amar’e Stoudemire: New York Knicks superstar exploring the foreign option – NBA Update
The New York Knicks marquee acquisition from the previous summer, power forward Amar’e Stoudemire says he has plenty of offers on the table for a move abroad. He revealed as such in a recent interview.
Knicks fans want to see the big man in action as soon as possible, but the venue of his return might not be the Madison Square Garden. With the NBA currently having locked out its players, many are sniffing for a chance to get
some game time elsewhere, especially in Europe.
Many NBA players have already left to play on the other side of the Atlantic, while others have agreed deals and will soon be on their way. The biggest name so far is that of Deron Williams. The New Jersey Nets super star has a
deal in place with Turkish club Besiktas. Besiktas had NBA icon Allen Iverson on their books last year and will pay Deron a total $5 million for his services in the coming season.
Kobe Bryant has also openly flirted with foreign teams and Amar’e has now joined the group of players who are considering this option. The player has been out injured since the NBA playoffs, but that hasn’t stopped interested teams
from ringing him up.
"All the clubs have called the office inquiring about me," Stoudemire said. "Teams from Israel, China, Turkey, Spain. A lot of countries have been calling."
Amar’e seems to have plenty to choose from with Spain and China rooted to be the most likely destination for the star. Spain, because of the strong league they have and China, due to the huge marketing opportunities in the world’s
most populous country.
The New York Knicks forward had previously refuted an inclination to pack up his bags and leave the United States, but things have obviously changed since then. However, the player also revealed that although he would definitely
give it some thought, right now his focus is on getting back to full fitness,
"The chances would be high" of making a move abroad, Stoudemire said. "They'd definitely be high. I just want to make sure I'm healthy and totally 100 percent before I make that type of commitment. As of right now, we're not entertaining
offers. I'm still trying to get (my back) right."
If after his recovery Stoudemire does move abroad, it is likely to be on a deal that will allow him to return if the NBA lockout ends, just like the Deron Williams’ deal.
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