*After 14 seasons, four different teams and several injuries, Amar’e Stoudemire has announced his retirement from the NBA — and he’s retiring as a New York Knick.
Stoudemire signed a contract with the Knicks in 2010 as a free agent and spent 4.5 years seasons with the team. During the 2014-15 season, Amar’e signed with the Dallas Mavericks and then went on to play for the Miami Heat during the 2015-16 season. Fans are wondering why he didn’t retire as a Phoenix Sun where he excelled the most.
“I want to thank Mr. Dolan, Phil [Jackson] and Steve [Mills] for signing me so that I can officially retire as a New York Knick,” Stoudemire said.
“I came to New York in 2010 to help revitalize this franchise, and we did just that. Carmelo [Anthony], Phil and Steve have continued this quest, and with this year’s acquisitions, the team looks playoff-bound once again. Although my career has taken me to other places around the country, my heart had always remained in the Big Apple. Once a Knick, Always a Knick.”
READ RELATED STORY: NY Knicks: Will Next Season Be A Requiem for Amar’e Stoudemire?
In a statement, the Suns congratulated him on his career:
“Amar’e’s eight seasons with our franchise provided some of the most exciting Suns basketball this city has ever seen. Off the court, Amar’e represented himself with integrity and class every step of the way, leaving an indelible impression on countless kids in our community,” the Suns said. “We’re proud to have called Amar’e one of our own and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement. Congrats, STAT!”
“For parts of six years, Amar’e Stoudemire was the face of the New York Knicks franchise because of his excellence on the court and his dedication to our community and our fans across the world,” Mills, the Knicks GM, said. “When Amar’e asked us to retire as a Knick, we were honored to oblige.”
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