MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Each of the past two seasons began with speculation that the Suns could trade forward Amar'e Stoudemire at some point and a different player wound up being moved.
At the 2008 NBA trade deadline, it was Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Last season, Boris Diaw and Raja Bell were dealt.
With the trade deadline a month from today, the conversation about trading Stoudemire continues - externally and internally. Interest in trading for Stoudemire remains as tepid as it was last season, when the Suns passed on moving him because of a lack of quality offers.
"It's been quiet," said Stoudemire, who unlike last summer has kept it that way by not fanning flames with comments about a possible trade. "But I'm pretty sure it's going to heat up in a second as far as trade rumors and different scenarios."
The next month should have drama now that Stoudemire is potentially in the final season of his contract. He could choose not to exercise a player option worth $17.7 million for the 2010-11 season and become an unrestricted free agent. Around 10 teams will have salary-cap space this summer, and their fans are expecting a splash, something Stoudemire's marquee name and All-Star status would provide.
"There are a lot of big names," Stoudemire said of this summer's potential free agents, contingent on other players exercising their options. "I think of myself as one of the top four of the bunch. Obviously, LeBron (James), (Dwyane) Wade, myself and (Chris) Bosh are on the top of most teams' lists. We all know that. It's just a matter of what we want. Personally, I want to win."
The Suns have an exclusive ability to negotiate an extension with Stoudemire but have not discussed it, waiting for him to prove his health after undergoing serious eye surgery last year. He also has had operations on his knees, including microfracture surgery in 2005. He has not missed a game, has carried himself as well as ever and has per-game averages of 21.0 points and 8.8 rebounds that are in line with his career statistics. He said he is 100 percent, although many have questioned whether he is as explosive.
Suns General Manager Steve Kerr and Managing Partner Robert Sarver will meet with Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, this week for their first formal discussion. Walters declined comment.
"We'll definitely talk about it," Kerr said of an extension. "We have a lot to consider.
"Amar'e has been great all year. We're thrilled with the way he's played and the effort he's put forth, returning from the injury to his eye."
Stoudemire, 27, has expressed a belief that he is a maximum-contract player. He likely is expecting the Suns to make an offer that would not approach the three-year, $57 million extension that Lakers forward-center Pau Gasol, 29, recently signed.
Though the Suns have struggled recently after a 14-3 start, they could stick with Stoudemire and try to hold onto playoff position. Stoudemire then would weigh his $17.7 million option, a salary he likely won't command on the free-agent market, against the security of a long-term free-agent contract.
His health history and willingness to sign could be stumbling blocks in trade talks, because any team acquiring him would want to secure him long term. When the Suns nearly made an off-season deal with Golden State involving Stoudemire, he made it clear he did not want to play for Golden State because it is not a contender.
"It's always about what's the best situation for the Suns organization and myself," Stoudemire said. "Wherever there is an equilibrium or common denominator, we can settle on that. Winning is the most important thing to me. Being a contender. If we can do it here, then I would love to stay."
If Stoudemire exercises his option, the Suns' opportunities to improve would be limited because they would not have cap space. Even if he stays and declines his option, the Suns would be a limited spender this summer. They would have more financial freedom in 2011 after they stop paying guard Jason Richardson, also an available trade piece who is owed $14.4 million next season. Phoenix's financial choices are affected by the expiration of the collective-bargaining agreement after next season, the potential for a lockout and its status as a decent team but a non-contender.
The speculation sets up another interesting All-Star experience for Stoudemire, who drew a massive media throng in February amid trade rumors.
"It was actually fun, to be honest," he said. "I enjoyed it. It may be one of those circus shows again, where the rumors about trading me will probably be at an all-time high.
"I try to focus on basketball and winning games. I try to play as hard as I can every night. That keeps me focused, so I don't worry about the extra stuff."
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