Amar'e Stoudemire Seeks Return to NBA

Amar’e Stoudemire retired two summers ago, but is now open to a return to the NBA. Posting a personal photo on his Instagram account, the 35-year-old declared he is “NBA ready.”

A six-time All-Star, the ninth overall selection of the 2002 NBA Draft dominated in his first eight seasons playing for the Phoenix Suns. The power forward won Rookie of the Year in 2003, made All-NBA First Team in 2007 and was selected to the All-NBA Second Team in 2005, 2008 and 2010.

Stoudemire signed with the New York Knicks in the summer of 2010 and made the Eastern Conference All-Star roster—and earned All-NBA Second Team honors again—in his first season with the franchise, averaging 25.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Stoudemire shined in his first season with the Knicks. (AP Photo)

Injuries derailed his career after his inaugural season with New York and he never returned to his star status. He played for the Knicks until they bought him out in Feb. 2015, later signing with the Dallas Mavericks for the remainder of the season.

Stoudemire then inked a one-year deal with the Miami Heat. He posted career-lows in virtually every statistical category with Miami in 2015-16 and called it quits after the year. He opted to sign a one-day contract with New York in order to retire as a member of the Knicks.

Plans have now changed for Stoudemire after participating in the BIG3 league this summer. He spent the previous year playing for Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel.


It’s unclear if there are any suitors for the 14-year veteran who will turn 36 in November.