Amar’e Stoudemire plans to return to the New York Knicks’ lineup Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks In London. How much longer he remains a Knick after that is now up for debate.
With only a few months left on his five-year, $100 million contract, the 32-year-old Stoudemire could be down to his final weeks with the Knicks.
Stoudemire told ESPN.com that he’s unsure of his future in New York after this season.
“It’s a very difficult situation at this point,” Stoudemire told reporters following practice at London’s Imperial College. “It’s a hard decision for me to make. My loyalty has always been with New York and the Knicks.
“So it will be tough right now to make a decision as far as going somewhere else at this point. It’s something I have to think about. I’m sure over time I’ll sit and think about the best scenario for myself.
“For now, I know I’ve been through injuries throughout my career. I have to make sure I’m able to be strong enough and prepared to play for a team contending for a championship. New York is trying to rebuild. Hopefully that will be sooner than later.”
According to the report, the Knicks have had discussions with Stoudemire about a buyout that would allow him to play with a contender.
The Knicks, sources told ESPN.com recently, are not looking to move Stoudemire and, at least for now, intend to keep him for the rest of the season.
But sources say they have discussed internally the possibility of buying out Stoudemire to let him play for a contender if he preferred that route. Stoudemire, of course, would have to agree to such a transaction.
It remains an outside possibility that — with team president Phil Jackson declaring any option is explorable for his ailing 5-35 team — Stoudemire could be waived after the forthcoming trade deadline.