Amar'e Stoudemire is no longer a Phoenix Sun.
After weeks of playing the waiting game (while already knowing the answer), Suns fans finally got the official news Monday afternoon.
Stoudemire is headed for the Big Apple and the New York Knicks, agreeing to a five-year deal that is worth nearly $100 million.
After being courted by numerous teams, Stoudemire eventually settled in New York, where the Knicks had a whopping 29 wins last season. The Suns, meanwhile, had 54 and made the playoffs.
But with the chance for a max contract, Amar'e jumped at it.
Amar'e will team back up with coach Mike D'Antoni in New York, whom he played for from four seasons until D'Antoni headed for the East coast himself in 2008.
While the two may have had their issues in the past, apparently they patched things up. Stoudemire being the best player on the team and a boatload of cash would probably make us settle our differences as well.
As a Phoenix Sun, Stoudemire averaged 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds a game.
Solid numbers, yes. But enough to warrant $20 million a season? Not in the eyes of the Phoenix organization and owner Robert Sarver.
Now the Suns will see how much of a role Amar'e played during their success last season when they made it to the Western Conference Finals.
With Steve Nash, Jason Richardson, Robin Lopez, Grant Hill, and the newly-acquired Hakim Warrick still at the core of the team, these Suns should still be able to make the playoffs.
Plus, the team just re-signed Channing Frye, who will help fill the void in the scoring department and rebounding category.
On his Twitter page, Stoudemire tweeted "I want to say thanks to all my SUNS Fans. Thanks to my PHX SUNS teammates, an the Coaches. I love you guys, sorry It didn't work out. Gone!"
Yes, Amar'e Stoudemire is gone indeed.
