Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns close to an extension

Months after blockbuster trade rumors circulated the sports world, the Phoenix Suns have changed their tune and seem to be close to signing Amare Stoudemire to a contract extension.

Fanhouse.com is reporting that according to sources with knowledge of the situation, Phoenix is now determined to keep the five-time All-Star and has offered a contract extension as recently as last week. While the terms of the offer are not known, a source close to the 27-year-old Stoudemire said of the proposal, “they’re getting closer [financially] to where they should be.”

Since the trade deadline the Phoenix Suns have been on fire with one of the best records in the NBA at 22-5 (.814 winning percentage), including a 10-game winning streak in which they averaged 118.7 points per game.  They finished the season 54-28, clinching the 3rd seed in the Western Conference.

The turnaround might have opened the eyes of Steve Kerr and the Phoenix front office.  Six-foot-ten, 250 pound men who can run the floor with Steve Nash don’t come around too often.  There’s probably 29 other teams in the NBA that would love to have the services of Stoudemire.  The Suns are in no need to start rebuilding their franchise by trading Amare or letting him walk at the end of the season.  Nash and the rest of the Suns still have some good years left.  There’s no need to waste them.  And no need to mess with the chemistry.