Stoudemire wants to remain in Phoenix

Chris Broussard of ESPN noted that the Suns are reportedly discussing an extension with Amar’e Stoudemire amidst continuing rumors of his apparent departure. Check out this pretty candid conversation between Ryan Marcus and STAT at a local Phoenix gym on Monday night. I got the impression that Stoudemire would really like to stay, but many people wonder if he is simply showing out for the local community knowing how quickly word spreads through the Internet.

Sadly though, our opinions are nothing much more than just that. The ‘braintrust’ in the front office have the only opinions that matter. Extending Nash & Stoudemire, as well as re-signing Grant Hill would go a long ways in assuring this very loyal fan base that our owner still cares about something other than the bottom line. Season ticket renewals assuredly will decline after a 9th place finish in the West, and failing to qualify for the postseason for the first time since Steve Nash returned to the Valley in 2004. With no clear outline of what direction the organization is actually heading right now, you can't blame fans for turning away. I don't believe the economy is the scapegoat this time either. If their was a quality product worth watching on the floor every night, then US Airways Center will sell out every night regardless of any economic hardship.

The free agency period just began one hour and 45 minutes ago. It will be an interesting summer to be a Suns fan, and that is putting it rather mildly.

What to do with Sun Tzu?

There was an interesting article in The Arizona Republic this morning regarding the future of Amar'e with the Suns. His agent is pleading with Steve Kerr for an answer, one way or the other on whether or not STAT fits in the Suns future plans. Does anybody really see the sense in giving Amar'e an extension valued at over $20 million a year given his injury-riddled past? Don't play me cheap like Sarver, I would love to see Stoudemire stay in Phoenix for quite sometime, but his desire to be the man on any given team appears to outweigh his desire to win. The Amar'e Stoudemire who averaged 37 points a game against Tim Duncan in the '05 playoffs would surely merit such an extension. However the microfracture/torn iris that has cost him more than a season and a half raises quite a few eyebrows. This seems to be developing into a lose/lose situation for the Suns. Trading Amar'e right now will not net you equal value in return, while giving him a max extension is just as risky. If STAT isn't happy with either situation, he will end up forfeiting his $17 million for 2010-11 by opting out and leaving on his own. As much as I chastise Steve Kerr, this is definitely a moment where I would rather not walk in his shoes. No matter which direction the organization chooses to proceed, there will undoubtedly be backlash from Suns faithful regardless. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America)

Kerr says alot about nothing

I just listened to Colin Cowherd's ESPN interview with Steve Kerr from this morning. The only mention of the Suns was Kerr saying everyone is on the block.

Stephen Curry staying put

ESPN NBA: Don Nelson: Curry's not going anywhere

http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?w=18igb&storyId=4290870&i=FAVD

Curry will not be a Sun

The Arizona Republic is reporting that if Golden State is to receive Amar'e Stoudemire, then Stephen Curry will not be going to Phoenix.

Amar'e to Golden State hinges on Curry

I just caught an interview on ESPN with Chris Broussard and he is reporting that Golden State is hesitant now to part ways with Stephen Curry. The Warriors had Curry as #1 on their draft board, simply not expecting him to be available at #7. Reportedly that may end up throwing a wrench in the deal sending Amar'e to Oakland. The Suns interest in this deal is non-existant if Stephen Curry is not part of the trade negotiations. I just don't see Steve Kerr trading away an All-Star power forward for Andres Biedrins, Brandan Wright & Marco Belinelli. You will have to excuse Suns fans for not having ever heard of the last two. But then again I should just remember who the Suns have making these drastic decisions regarding the future of this once proud franchise.