Update (9:12 PM): I wasn't neglecting this thread today, I swear. After yesterday's excitement, today has been short on activity of actual substance. In fact, the biggest news for me today was that Chris Hunter, a personal favorite, changed his mind about coming to Summer League for the Knicks. On the free agent front...nothing's happened, or at least nothing transparent. Keep your ears to the street and eyes to the sky, though.
Also, this is a pretty good read.
Good morning, cheese samwiches. Amar'e Stoudemire is wined, dined, and signed, y'all. Donnie Walsh has his Vice Knick, and now it's time to find the big name on the ticket. Here's wassup right now:
- The Arizona Republic reports that the Suns might want to finagle Stoudemire's departure into a sign-and trade. Remember that the deal isn't on paper yet.
- In a stroke of boldness I don't think I've ever seen before, the Knicks are already selling Amar'e Stoudemire jerseys. That was your first sign Duhon was out the door (see below). Is there precedent for this?
- Shoals asks: Does Amar'e have something to prove?
- The Knicks hope to help Stoudemire prove whatever it is that needs proving with a running mate like Dwyane Wade or LeBron James. The word is that we'll hear final decisions from those two by the end of the week, but I'm not so certain.
- Jack McCallum's take on the Knicks' signing of Amar'e and the free agents left to conquer is, for my money, the best piece of writing to emerge from this transaction.
- Actually, this Matt Moore piece might be the best. I can't decide.
- Actually, maybe our friend Rodger Sherman wins. Gotta love the positivity.
- I spent an hour last night watching videos of Amar'e Stoudemire, then spent another hour watching videos of animals attacking their prey. Y'all know I prefer mammals, but this is the one.
- Meanwhile, our friend Jake twat me a nice bit of non-trivia this morning:
@ptknicksblog en Español, Amaré means both "I will love" AND "I landed on water"
YES.
- Chad Ford is reporting that Chris Duhon has agreed to a four-year deal with the Magic. Du had a shaky run as the Knicks' starting point guard, and hopefully he'll find himself in a better situation as Jameer Nelson's backup. Best of luck to Chris in Orlando.
- Duhon's departure leaves the Knicks with only Toney Douglas point guard. Now, we all know I fully trust TD to run the point for 48 points, if not play all five positions. In keeping with tradition, though, the Knicks will probably look to fill that hole. They're already at it, as Sam Amick twat last night that Raymond Felton will meet with the Knicks.
That's all for the moment, friends. I'll update throughout the day.