Stoudemire To Remain In Phoenix For At Least 3 More Months

Sports News - February 18th, 2010 - Written By Bryan

Amare Stoudemire will remain a member of the Phoenix Suns.  Robert Sarver, owner of the franchise, informed the Associated Press earlier today that he was unlikely to deal Stoudemire.

Sarver said that he informed the All-Star center Wednesday night that Phoenix had decided discontinue a trade option.

"I think I'm pretty much safe," Stoudemire said of his conversation with Sarver. "I feel good about it. But I would have felt good either way."

Throughout the course of the season, Stoudemire has shined for the Suns, tabbing 26.6 points per game and 11.7 rebounds over his last seven games.  He was also elected as a starter for the Western Conference in the All-Star game last weekend.

Over the last several days, it had been reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers were in the market for a dominant post-player, and were interested in Stoudemire.  However the Cavs decided to pull the trigger and acquire Antawan Jamison from the Washington Wizards, following Phoenix's hesitancy in trade talks.

The Miami Heat were the last team to have interest in Stoudemire, but a deal was unable to get done which would satisfy both sides.  The Suns wanted young star for the Heat Michael Beasley, who Miami was unwilling to part with.  

Stoudemire expressed his confusion and admitted to being upset about the talks at first.

"It was tough because I didn't understand the reason behind the trades," Stoudemire remarked. "I didn't know what I was doing wrong. I didn't know what they thought about my game or such. It bothered me there for a bit but I happened to turn on the switch and get back to the ultimate goal, and that's to win ballgames. That allowed me to get back to a high level."

The All-Star does not have to worry about adjusting to a new team, as he remains with the Suns.

Phoenix is currently in the second place in the Pacific division of the Western Conference, with a record of 32-23.  They Trail the L.A Lakers by 10 games, but are in the middle of the playoff race in the conference.  Currently , NBA Future Odds have them as a potential favorite to win the 2010 NBA Championship.  Beted sportsbook has installed them at +3500.