The New York Knicks have made the first big splash in this summer’s free agent market by reaching an agreement in principle with one of the premiere power forwards in the NBA.
According to ESPN.com, the Knicks and Amar’e Stoudemire have agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract that will reunite him with New York head coach Mike D’Antoni, who Stoudemire played for as a member of the Phoenix Suns from 2003-2008.
In the 27-year-old Stoudemire, the Knicks will be getting a 6'10", 249 lb. explosive big man who has averaged 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game in eight seasons, all of which have been spent in Phoenix.
Last season, Stoudemire posted averages of 23.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting 54.4% from the field.
Over the past several days, Stoudemire openly expressed a strong desire to play in the Big Apple and when he finally met with Knick officials Monday afternoon, New York couldn’t help but put an offer on the table for a star player who is eager to don a Knick uniform.
Now the Knicks can’t officially sign Stoudemire until July 8 but there don't appear to be any obstacles to New York finalizing this transaction.
The real question will now become whether this announcement will persuade Dwyane Wade or LeBron James to follow suit.
Either way though, James and Wade have no choice but to take notice, because the Knicks have taken their first significant step toward once again becoming relevant in the National Basketball Association.
Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and a special video presentation featuring Amar'e Stoudemire.
Amar’e Stoudemire agrees to 5-year, $100 million contract with NY Knicks
