Sixers Trade Rumors: Inquired About Knicks Amare Stoudemire

According to John Finger of CSN Philly, the Sixers called the New York Knicks regarding the availability of Amar'e Stoudemire:

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.

The Sixers would undoubtedly have to part with valuable assets, whether they be players or draft picks, to pull off a trade for Amar'e. This for a guy who, including this season, still has four years and approximately 83 million dollars left on his contract.

The 29 year old Amar'e has been an inefficient offensive player for the 7-12 Knicks this season, with a PER barely above average at 15.1 and a true shooting percentage under .500. The most frustrating part of his offensive game is his shot selection, where he ranks 11th among all big men in attempts from 16-23 feet – the dreaded long two pointer. The only "big men" who shoot more long twos then him are: Andrea Bargnani, Byron Mullens, LaMarcus Aldridge, Josh Smith, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Dirk, Garnett and Andray Blatche.

When Amar'e isn't producing offensively, especially with the amount of possessions he uses, he's basically rendered useless. He's an average defender, at best, and a below average rebounder. 17 million is a lot of money to pay a guy who's inefficient on offense, average on defense and below average on the glass. His best days are clearly behind him.

Is Amar'e a big name? Yes. Can he be a great scorer? Absolutely. Is he fun to watch? Sometimes. Does he fit the Sixers? No, in no way, shape or form. This team is built on chemistry, defense and unselfishness, and lacks "a closer" and a big man who can protect the basket. Not only does Stoudemire weaken the team's strengths, but he does nothing to fill either role the Sixers need. Pair that with his contract, injury history and the fact that the Sixers would have to part with assets to acquire his services ... the idea of the Sixers trading for Amar'e is bad news all around.

The last thing this team needs to is be saddled with the massive contract of another aging, quasi-star at power forward who can't carry a team offensively or defensively anymore. Just cause he's a big name doesn't mean he's worth it.

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