Amar'e Stoudemire waived by New York Knicks
Last Updated: 16/02/15 11:02pm
The New York Knicks have waived former All-Star forward Amar'e Stoudemire, who could find a new home with the Dallas Mavericks.
Stoudemire reached a buy-out deal with the Knicks, the worst team in the NBA, on Monday so he could become a free agent and try to find a deal with a play-off chasing team.
The 32-year-old was in the final season of a five-year deal worth nearly $100 million that he signed in 2010.
"Amare's period as a Knickerbocker has come to pass, at his request," Knicks president Phil Jackson said.
"His time here should be marked by recognising his effort - it was 100 per cent. As we move forward in structuring this team, we will look for players that exhibit his desire to win."
Stoudemire averaged 12.0 points and 6.8 rebounds in 36 games for the Knicks this season, 14 of them as a starter, although that was not enough to help them find any improvement on their league-worst 10-43 record.
"Although I leave the Knicks with a heavy heart, I wish the organization the best of luck," Stoudemire said. "Once a Knick always a Knick."
The Mavericks are considered to be the front-runners to sign Stoudemire, although they will face competition from the Los Angeles Clippers, who are without star power forward Blake Griffin because of an elbow injury.
