In a somewhat strange set of circumstances, Amar’e Stoudemire announced his retirement on Tuesday. The decision itself was surprising but Stoudemire shocked everyone by doing it as a member of the Knicks.
Stoudemire spent eight of his best years with the Suns. He went to five all-star teams during his time in Phoenix. Most importantly, he was a huge part of a team that had great success despite never winning the title.
Most assumed that if Stoudemire wanted to sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of a team, it would be with the Suns. However, his decision was different.
The reasoning for his choice may have just been revealed. According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (h/t Pro Basketball Talk), Stoudemire wanted to play one more season in Phoenix. The Suns were not having it:
Hearing Amare wanted to come back to Suns for one final season. Suns weren't interested so could be reason he retired a Knick.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 26, 2016
To be clear Amare wanted to play one more season not just in Phoenix but one more season with someone.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 26, 2016
This is an interesting turn of events. The consensus among those wondering about Stoudemire’s decision was that he was upset about the team trying to trade him years ago. This paints a different picture.
The Suns’ decision makes sense. They have too many players on their roster. Stoudemire is not only not a good player anymore, but he also has no upside unlike the majority of the Suns roster. They had no incentive to sign him other than for nostalgic reasons.
That said, it probably couldn’t have hurt to sign their former power forward. He wouldn’t have to take minutes away from young players and could have been a solid mentor to the likes of Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss.
Nevertheless, the decision is made. Now we wait to see if Amar’e Stoudemire chooses to play overseas.
