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Top 5 Potential Landing Spots for Amar’e Stoudemire

5 Potential Landing Spots for Amar'e Stoudemire

Amar'e Stoudemire New York Knicks
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The New York Knicks bought out the remainder of Amar'e Stoudemire's contract on Sunday. Now free to sign with any team, the speculation has begun on where the former superstar is most likely to sign. Stoudemire is averaging 12 points and just under seven rebounds per game and is sure to be a target of several contending teams. Here are the top 5 potential landing spots for Amar'e Stoudemire.

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Amare Stoudemire NBA New York Knicks
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Amare Stoudemire NBA New York Knicks
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

The Clippers need to make a move if they want to truly be considered a real threat to win the Western Conference. Blake Griffin’s injury opens the door for Stoudemire to play significant minutes and maybe even get the starting nod from Clippers coach Doc Rivers. The opportunity for playing time in Los Angeles might be too much for Stoudemire to pass up.

4. Dallas Mavericks

Amare Stoudemire New York Knicks
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dallas Mavericks

Amare Stoudemire New York Knicks
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports tweeted that sources say the Mavericks have strong interest in the former Knicks' big man. After trading several role players to the Boston Celtics for Rajon Rondo, Dallas has a serious depth issue. Signing Stoudemire would instantly improve the Mavs’ biggest weakness, their bench, and give Rick Carlisle a scoring option at power forward when Dirk Nowitzki rests.

3. San Antonio Spurs

Amar'e Stoudemire New York Knicks
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3. San Antonio Spurs

Amar'e Stoudemire New York Knicks
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Wojnarowski’s sources also tell him that one dark horse team to keep an eye on with Stoudemire is the San Antonio Spurs. If the defending champions are interested in bringing him to San Antonio, you’ve got to think they’d be at the top of Stoudemire’s list by giving the veteran the best chance at his first title.

2. Golden State Warriors

Amar'e Stoudemire New York Knicks
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2. Golden State Warriors

Amar'e Stoudemire New York Knicks
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The Warriors sit at the All-Star break with the best record in the NBA, but you can never be too comfortable in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Marreese Speights has played well as the backup center for the Warriors, but if there's one area where Golden State could stand to improve most, it’s frontcourt size. Stoudemire would give head coach Steve Kerr another option to mix and match with the Splash Brothers.

1. Phoenix Suns

Amare Stoudemire Phoenix Suns
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1. Phoenix Suns

Amare Stoudemire Phoenix Suns
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Amare Stoudemire was drafted by and became a superstar in Phoenix. The Suns are barely hanging on to the final playoff spot in the West and bringing Stoudemire back to Phoenix would be a huge boost for the team’s playoff chances. Signing with the Suns wouldn’t give Stoudemire the best chance of winning, but don’t be surprised if he ends up back in his old stomping grounds.

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