Amare Stoudemire Trade Talks Squashed?
Now that Terry Porter has been fired, the big question running around the league is on whether Amare Stoudemire would stay with the Phoenix Suns or not. Apparently, it is no secret that Stoudemire was very much upset at how Porter change the whole team philosophy. Changing a run and gun theme and changing it to a defense oriented team did the Suns in. Actually, it is obvious that even Steve Nash and the rest had their share of problems with the new system.
But now, after only 4 months, that whole philosophy has been officially shelved. Porter has been fired and assistant coach Alvin Gentry has been tasked to turn the Sun’s fortunes. Can he live up to the task? Before he does, a lot of things must be ironed out and that includes the publicized trade talks for Amare Stoudemire and the aging Shaquille O’ Neal.
A number of teams have expressed interest in Stoudemire like Chicago and Toronto. But this was yesterday’s news. With a new coach, it looks like Suns GM Steve Kerr has sheepishly announced that the trade may likely not push through.
As quoted from ESPN:
There are suddenly strong signals emanating from the desert that the coaching change announced Monday by the Phoenix Suns will be the only big personnel change they make this week.
After the Suns spent several days taking and making phone calls on potential trades for Amare Stoudemire and Shaquille O’Neal, NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that Phoenix — having received a series of underwhelming proposals for Stoudemire — now prefers to leave its core intact for the rest of the season to see if new coach Alvin Gentry can do more with this group than the outgoing Terry Porter.
It all makes sense though. Returning to the old team philosophy may be good for the team especially with another high flyer in Jason Richardson in the team to run the wings. Unfortunately that will have to wait as Richardson was reportedly suspended by the Suns following charges for reckless driving.
But wait, shouldn’t Steve Kerr take part of the blame? Remember it was he who instructed Porter to shift the team to a defense oriented team. Maybe he should take the blame as well. Better yet, maybe he should be fired too and not Porter alone. As it looks now, Porter is the scapegoat for merely following the boss’ orders.
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