Stoudemire to the Sixers?

CSN Philly reports the Sixers have inquired about star power forward Amare Stoudemire of the New York Knicks.

As the Sixers continue to thrive this year, rumors are swirling regarding trade talks between the team and an Atlantic division rival.

CSN Philly reports the Sixers have inquired about star power forward Amare Stoudemire of the New York Knicks. A source told CSN Philly that so far nothing at this point is imminent or even in the early stages other than just talk.

Stoudemire was an MVP candidate last year with the Knicks, leading the team to its first playoff appearance in seven years. He averaged 25.3 points per game on 50.2 percent shooting and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Stoudemire has struggled this year however as he and the Knicks other superstar Carmelo Anthony have had difficulty coexisting. Since the Knicks acquired Anthony in the middle of last season, Stoudemire’s numbers have gone down significantly as he is no longer the team’s number one scoring option. This year he’s only averaging 17.7 points per game on 42 percent shooting.

As the number one team in the Atlantic Division, the Sixers are currently in the position that many people believed the Knicks would be in going into this season. Yet while the Sixers have surprised many with their stellar play, the Knicks haven’t lived up to the hype brought about by their acquisition of center Tyson Chandler. They currently hold a 7-13 record while the Sixers are 14-6.

Whether or not pursuing Stoudemire would be a good move for the Sixers is an intriguing debate. While the Sixers have a solid and consistent core, many believe the team needs a superstar player in order to make the transition from playoff team to legit title contender. Stoudemire could certainly fill that role and be the consistent go to scorer in the low-post that the Sixers lack.

At the same time, at 29-years-old and with a history of knee problems, there is no guarantee he could continue to perform at a high level for much longer. Stoudemire’s notoriously shaky defense would certainly give Coach Doug Collins multiple headaches as well.

Stoudemire is currently the ninth highest paid player in the NBA after signing a five-year, $100 million contract before the 2010-11 season.
 

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