Amar'e Stoudemire is reportedly open to leaving the New York Knicks this season, and reports indicated that the former All-Star is drawing the interest of playoff contenders, including the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers.
Stoudemire, who is playing in the final season of his contract that pays him $23.4 million this season, is reportedly open to a contract buyout since the Knicks are nowhere near to making the postseason.
The Knicks are currently at the cellar of the Eastern Conference with their 10-40 record. When asked about the possibility of leaving the Knicks via a buyout, Stoudemire said that all options are open at this point.
"All possibilities at this point are still open," Stoudemire told Yahoo Sports when asked about a possible buyout. "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."
A buyout agreement will give Stoudemire the opportunity to sign with a playoff contender. According to Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports, the Mavericks and Clippers, along with the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to make a strong push to acquire Stoudemire because all three teams are looking to improve their frontline for the playoffs.
Sources said, though, that a buyout deal is not imminent at this point because the Knicks are currently focused on buying out Andrea Bargnani's contract. The Knicks also have until Feb. 19 to find takers for Stoudemire in a trade, but the 32-year-old veteran is convinced that the team will approach him in the coming days to discuss his future.
"I'm sure we will have an open discussion about it," Stoudemire added. "We have a great communicative relationship with the Knicks. I am sure we will make a sound decision together."
And should the Knicks and Stoudemire part ways later in the season, Tim MacMahon and Marc Stein of ESPN reported that the Mavericks are favored to sign the 13-year veteran.
The Mavericks, who are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference with their 34-18 record, are aching to sign another big man to keep in step with bigger teams in the West, and Stoudemire is reportedly on their radar.
The Mavericks have long been linked to free-agent and former All-Star center Jermaine O'Neal, but reports revealed that it will not affect their possible pursuit of Stoudemire because they are willing to make roster room to acquire both players later in the season.
Stoudemire, whose career has been slowed down by multiple injuries, averaged 12.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in his first 33 games with the Knicks this season.
