Amar'e Stoudemire, Knicks reach buyout agreement
NEW YORK — Veteran big man Amar'e Stoudemire and the New York Knicks reached an agreement on a buyout late Sunday, a person familiar with the development told Paste BN Sports.
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the Knicks made a formal announcement.
Earlier in the season, Stoudemire was not keen on a buyout, but as the Knicks' season turned ugly, Stoudemire warmed to the idea of a buyout so he could join a contender for the remainder of the season.
Once Stoudemire clears waivers — and that's expected — he is free to sign with another team of his choice. The Dallas Mavericks, in need of some depth at the center position as they make a playoff push, might be the top destination for Stoudemire.
Knicks All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony is bummed his friend is leaving.
"It was hard for me to believe," Anthony said. "I thought they were lying about it. You know, it's hard for me to have a reaction right now because it really hasn't sunk in yet that that's what happened, and that's what's happening. So I'm pretty sure once it sinks in, my feelings and what I have to say about it, what I think about it, I can elaborate on that a little bit."
Anthony said Stoudemire was one of the main reasons why he wanted to play for the Knicks.
"So to see him leave, to see the situation where it's at right now, I know what he wants, and you have to respect that as an athlete, as a competitor. You only want the best for your friends and your close ones," Anthony said. "He wants to play for a championship is what I'm hearing. He wants to play for a contender. So I don't think nobody should hold that back from him.
"Amar'e brought something back to New York that New York was kind of missing and needing for a long time. When he came, he brought back some excitement for the game of basketball here in New York. There was hope when he came back. People started believing in the New York Knicks once again. He was the main reason for that belief and for that hope when he first got here in New York."
Follow Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt.
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