With all signs pointing to Phoenix Suns’ free-agent, Amar’e Stoudemire, signing with the New York Knicks, rumors also have been swirling about how Stoudemire and San Antonio Spurs’ free-agent, Tony Parker are planning to team up in New York.
Most felt the rumors were just that, rumors, but according Stoudamire, Parker is ready to join him:
“I’ve talked to Carmelo Anthony that he needs to come out here,” Stoudemire said. “I’ve talked to Tony Parker. Both guys are ready to join me if I decide to come here. So we will see if we can work it out.” (source nydailynews.com)
As all Spurs fans know, if this is true, then the only way Parker could go to the Knicks now, would be through a trade. The Knicks only valuable pieces are free-agent David Lee, guard/forward Wilson Chandler, and with the Spurs looking to ease their salary-cap concerns, Knicks’ Eddy Curry has an expiring contract worth $11.2 million dollars.
However, this does conflict with earlier reports that Spurs’ coach Popovich did tell Parker he wasn’t going anywhere and Parker himself did say he hopes to remain in San Antonio — at least for this season.
Parker will be entering his final contract season with the Spurs and said he would like to explore his options once he becomes a free-agent. Perhaps Stoudemire was referring to the summer of 2011 when Parker will be a free-agent allowing him to sign with any team.
