Sixers Inquire About Stoudemire

According to John Finger of csnphilly.com, the Sixers reportedly inquired about Amare Stoudemire.  At 7-13, the Knicks are an absolute joke this year and they could possibly be interested in dealing Stoudemire.

Finger stated in his article:

According to a league source, the Sixers have inquired about Stoudemire, though it was categorized as “due diligence.” Nothing is said to be imminent or even in the early stages other than just talk, the source said. Nevertheless, in past seasons the Sixers were reportedly discussing trade scenarios with the Phoenix Suns in order to acquire Stoudemire. Whether or not the Sixers can afford Stoudemire, of course, is an issue too. Stoudemire is the ninth-highest paid player in the NBA after signing a five-year, $100 million contract before the 2010-11 season. He earns $18.2 million this season, $19.9 million next season and approximately $45 million between 2013 and 2015.

Stoudemire is an athletic big man with a decent mid range jump shot as well.  He could instantly make the Sixers contenders, but at what price?  The Sixers would most likely have to part ways with Thaddeus Young or possibly even Jrue Holiday to bring in Amare.

 And a negative to Stoudemire is that in order for him to be productive, he has to be continually given the ball.  Right now the Knicks are struggling mainly due to the fact that they have two guys in Stoudemire and Anthony who need the ball in their hands at all times to play well.  Amare's style of play might not fit well with the Sixers but it should be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming month.

As trade rumors continue to swirl, the Sixers continue to thrash away at lowly opponents on their schedule.  But beginning Monday, their schedule quickly becomes extremely difficult.  The Sixers host the Magic on Monday, the Bulls on Wednesday, and the Heat on Friday night.  They then travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks, and then return home next week to host the Lakers, Spurs, and Clippers.

If the Sixers do well in the upcoming stretch of games, it will be a good indicator that the Sixers are for real and deserve to be respected as legitimate contenders.  But if they struggle greatly, they may want to give serious consideration to making a trade.