<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The biggest opportunity Stoudemire will take advantage of in the near future is his contract, which expires after next season. Stoudemire looks to improve upon his rookie deal, which will pay him about $2.6 million next season. He could sign a five-year $72.6 million contract -- the most Phoenix can offer the all-star power forward under the new collective-bargaining agreement. Although Stoudemire will make more money staying in Phoenix than if he goes to another team, he says he won't completely close the door on possible suitors. The highest-profile team on that list is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have worked in earnest this summer to clear as much cap room as possible for the 2007 off-season, refusing to sign any new players for more than two years. "I'm a businessman," says Stoudemire. "I'm going to listen but I already know what they got to say, 'Amare, we want to give you the max.'" While the Suns contract would be slightly more lucrative than the Lakers', many people believe the money lost on the contract can be replaced with the endorsements and acting gigs that come with playing in a big city such as Los Angeles. "It's true," says Stoudemire, whose favorite vacation spot is California's sun-kissed Malibu Beach. "I think New York and LA are the two highest market cities and both of those places are great as far as opportunities go off the court."</div> Source Before anyone labels this a 'pipedream,' I think there is a slim chance of this happening. For starters, Amare Stoudemire has yet to sign the extension from the Phoenix Suns for the max offer. The Rockets already locked in Yao Ming, so you have to start wondering what is keeping Amare from doing the same. This off-season the Suns made a lot of moves to better their team for a WCF showdown with the Spurs. As Laker fans, we have to cross our fingers and hope the Suns' moves backfire and the team completely fails the goals they set out for themselves. If the Suns lose, it's going to put some serious doubt in Amare wanting to re-sign longterm with the Suns. He might like it less if the Suns want him playing center again because Kurt Thomas isn't working out. If the Suns get bounced in the playoffs again and don't make it to the Finals, I think Amare will explore his options as a <u>restricted free agent </u> in 2006. Steve Nash isn't getting any younger, the Suns are strapped financially, and Shawn Marion isn't good enough to get you to a title. If Amare plays hard ball, and the Suns sense he will just become an <u>unrestricted free agent </u> in 2007, they will be forced into a sign and trade.
too far in the future Before anyone labels this a 'pipedream,' I think there is a slim chance of this happening. It's positive in that he seems to atleast be considering the Lakers, NOW. If Mitch and Jerry let this franchise slip into mediocrity or back to the lottery then big time free agents won't want to play here no matter how much money is available. Management needs to keep this team competitive. Right now we have too many question marks. Like Russian roulette you can only pull the trigger so many times, let's hope next year we hear a click and not a boooom.
When talking about L.A. Anything is possible. Few can resist the vices that LosAngeles has to offer. But seriously I see Amare in 3 places Arizona(suns), L.A, or beileve it or not Chicago. With the problems that chicago are having with Curry Im sure a Chandler Amare combo would be tempting for him. He wont have to play center in chicago plus he wont have to face the west coast bigmen as often which will make his numbers increase. I know... I know.....Chandler and Amare did have a feud a few years back but I think that that combination would be deadly. GL L.A.!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting michiganave17:</div><div class="quote_post">When talking about L.A. Anything is possible. Few can resist the vices that LosAngeles has to offer. But seriously I see Amare in 3 places Arizona(suns), L.A, or beileve it or not Chicago. With the problems that chicago are having with Curry Im sure a Chandler Amare combo would be tempting for him. He wont have to play center in chicago plus he wont have to face the west coast bigmen as often which will make his numbers increase. I know... I know.....Chandler and Amare did have a feud a few years back but I think that that combination would be deadly. GL L.A.!</div> No doubt, Chicago is a viable destination for Amare, along with New York. All three cities have enormous endorsement opportunities, and will have some cap flexibility in 2007. The Lakers and Bulls could probably put the best packages together if it came down to a sign and trade as well.
Even if Amare would opt out for unrestricted free agency, I think the Suns would rather try and sign him back then sign-and-trade him away. It would take something very serious, like chemistry issues or attitude problems, for the Suns to simply give up on resigning him. There's always a chance he bolts, but I don't think Phoenix will let him without trying everything to get him back first.
I think there is a better than slim chance that the Lakers can get him. He claims to be a "business man" and will "listen" to all the offers. So, I wouldn't worry too much about an extension from the Suns to lock him down. According to his own sayings, he wants to see his market value. So the Lakers have that going for them and the fact that LA is an attractive town to play for with it's history and standards.
I don't think Chicago can or will sign him simply because Krause has long been known for being cheap when it comes to players. He doesn't like handing out big money, as evident by his refusal to pay Jordan his market value in the early-mid 90's. In chicago Amare Stoudemire would be put into a Joe Johnson type of situation where he would be expected to be the face of the franchise. As good as stoudmire is, (he's a freaking monster) he is not the player to take a team into the finals all by his lonesome. Chicago at this point simply doesn't have the kind of players to compliment stoudemire. If Amare did want to sign with LA...how would he fit into the lakers rotation? Would they play like they did in the Lakers most recent title run with Amare dominating inside and Kobe slashing shooting and dishing?
ummm, I think Amare would do fine with Chicago. Hinrich sets up a lot of nice alley oops for Curry and I'm sure he could do the same for Amare. Amare is getting the max period, so I don't think the Bulls owner would try to haggle that down.
It wouldn't be fair to the world, I'd like to see him in Orlando though with Dwight at C and him at PF. Just saying that because he's from there, not that it would actually happen.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ilive4ball:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think Chicago can or will sign him simply because Krause has long been known for being cheap when it comes to players. He doesn't like handing out big money, as evident by his refusal to pay Jordan his market value in the early-mid 90's. </div> Why would he when jordan was under his old contract. What u failed to convey is the fact that in 96/97 and the 97/98 season he payed jordan the highest amount that any player has been paid to date. 34mill in 1997 and 31 mill in 98. Just spent major dough for chandler. If a player worth the money he will get it in any nba town. And Amare is the 3rd best PF in the game, he's well worth the money! GL LA!
With as many "I hope he will end up in [insert favorite team's city here] because..." 's there will be, I think the most practical thing that will probably happen is that he just resigns with the Suns. Speculations like this happen all the time (see: thread in Lakers forum about Ming coming to LA) ironic? When a player comes to a city from the start and finds success there it's kind of hard for them to leave and go somewhere foreign with teammates and coaches who they aren't certain they'll gel with. Atleast with the Suns Amare knows a) what the situation will be as far as winning and they can give him more money than anyone else. There are few athletes who would leave a winning situation with an MVP point guard (especiall as a big man) just for a couple more million dollars.
Honestly, I think a Lakers team of Amare and Kobe would be trouble. Chemistry wise, neither would share the ball even though Kobe can really pass while Amare has trouble with this skillset. One thing about Shaq was he was an excellent passer, above average vision hitting outside guys from the post and could create offense with the ball with his back to the basket. So it would be up to Kobe to make Amare better because Amare just struggles with turnovers with the ball because he's got very little post game or ability to drive past defenders like a Garnett or Nowitzki would (power forwards with guard skills). Amare isn't the type to make everyone else on the team better, but he's the type of player nobody can defend very well because he's got such raw skill, power, speed and athleticism. In Chicago I think he can fit in very well mainly because of Hinrich. Somebody that can get him the ball and stretch defenses by shooting.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Honestly, I think a Lakers team of Amare and Kobe would be trouble. Chemistry wise, neither would share the ball even though Kobe can really pass while Amare has trouble with this skillset. One thing about Shaq was he was an excellent passer, above average vision hitting outside guys from the post and could create offense with the ball with his back to the basket. So it would be up to Kobe to make Amare better because Amare just struggles with turnovers with the ball because he's got very little post game or ability to drive past defenders like a Garnett or Nowitzki would (power forwards with guard skills). Amare isn't the type to make everyone else on the team better, but he's the type of player nobody can defend very well because he's got such raw skill, power, speed and athleticism. In Chicago I think he can fit in very well mainly because of Hinrich. Somebody that can get him the ball and stretch defenses by shooting.</div> I wouldn't say that there would be trouble. Things looked bad with Shaq and Kobe is because that Shaq has a HUGE ego and demands all the time. He isn't one to admit mistakes either. I don't see Amare as the trouble type. He will want the ball but he won't constantly demand it. Plus I think Kobe is actually maturing into the player he SHOULD be. I know it's not very evident, but if you watched the Relief game, Kobe was being very social and cool. Back then he was shy and didn't really socialize too much with the public OR his own teammates. In conclusion, I think Amare-Kobe relationship can work.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting YourNewChef:</div><div class="quote_post">I wouldn't say that there would be trouble. Things looked bad with Shaq and Kobe is because that Shaq has a HUGE ego and demands all the time. He isn't one to admit mistakes either. I don't see Amare as the trouble type. He will want the ball but he won't constantly demand it. Plus I think Kobe is actually maturing into the player he SHOULD be. I know it's not very evident, but if you watched the Relief game, Kobe was being very social and cool. Back then he was shy and didn't really socialize too much with the public OR his own teammates. In conclusion, I think Amare-Kobe relationship can work.</div> It can work, but then again I'm only remembering what really worked when the franchise players were a passing, scoring center and a passing, driving, shooting guard. The point I guess I was trying to make was that Amare doesn't really make Kobe better like Shaq would. Kobe could make Amare better, but what the Lakers would really need is a playmaking 2 guard since they don't have a playmaking big man to set up scorers. Unless, anyone thinks Lamar Odom is going to be the setup dude playing like a point guard.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">It can work, but then again I'm only remembering what really worked when the franchise players were a passing, scoring center and a passing, driving, shooting guard. The point I guess I was trying to make was that Amare doesn't really make Kobe better like Shaq would. Kobe could make Amare better, but what the Lakers would really need is a playmaking 2 guard since they don't have a playmaking big man to set up scorers. Unless, anyone thinks Lamar Odom is going to be the setup dude playing like a point guard.</div> I am sure if Amare is properly motivated by Phil Jackson, he can work on his passing game. The chances are somewhat slim, but it's possible.
The only big man in the L who I'd say would be good with Kobe (besides shaq if there wasn't that whole hating eachother thing) is Kevin Garnett. He can pass, he has the post game, he's unslefish, he's a beast on the boards- in my opinion he's better than Tim Duncan. Him and Kobe are friends so it'd be a great team to watch
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ilive4ball:</div><div class="quote_post">The only big man in the L who I'd say would be good with Kobe (besides shaq if there wasn't that whole hating eachother thing) is Kevin Garnett. He can pass, he has the post game, he's unslefish, he's a beast on the boards- in my opinion he's better than Tim Duncan. Him and Kobe are friends so it'd be a great team to watch</div> I'd rather have Garnett than Amare any day of the weak.
I'd love to see this image become a reality with Kobe & KG coming through the Staple hallways as Laker teammates.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ilive4ball:</div><div class="quote_post">The only big man in the L who I'd say would be good with Kobe (besides shaq if there wasn't that whole hating eachother thing) is Kevin Garnett. He can pass, he has the post game, he's unslefish, he's a beast on the boards- in my opinion he's better than Tim Duncan. Him and Kobe are friends so it'd be a great team to watch</div> Yeah, that's who I'd really go after especially after the meltdown in the Twolves backcourt (no heart). It makes sense too because KG is more of an all around player that will play defense, pass, be the go-to guy, he'll make the team better on both ends of the floor because he'll do whatever (excellent for Kobe). I love Amare but there's still a lot of hype and mystery about what he can actually do this year minus the setup guy Steve Nash. Amare still needs to refine that post game and work on defense and passing in order to be a true franchise player, otherwise he's just a more raw version of Jermaine O'neil without the defense or one-on-one skill.
