Amar’e Stoudemire -- despite spending more time and having more success with the Suns -- signed with the Knicks to retire.
Why not Phoenix?
John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7:
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
Stoudemire was linked to the Suns last year, but a return never happened.
That return would have made even less sense now. Phoenix already has 15 players, the regular-season roster limit. John Jenkins and Alan Williams have unguaranteed deals, but why waive one for Stoudemire? The Suns are semi-rebuilding, and Tyson Chandler already serves as a veteran big.
There’s a reason Stoudemire retired rather then sign somewhere. Maybe nobody wanted him.
But it’s also only July, and teams are still filling out their rosters. If Stoudemire wants to keep playing, he might have opportunities later, especially after the trade deadline. He’s just 33. There’s no reason to believe his retirement won’t stick.
