A Few Notes On Amare Stoudemire

Just wanted to write this story up quickly, before getting ready to post my Top Moments Numbers Nine and Eight tomorrow. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the writers who cover the league are (not suprisingly) digging into various trade rumors, and none are hotter than those surrounding 26-year old Suns power forward Amare Stoudemire. The Bulls are one of the first teams leaguewide who are speculatively interested, and I have to say that the possibility of pairing Stoudemire with our own phenom Derrick Rose is certainly interesting. These are two top-notch talents we're talking about. The two of them on the fast break? Say goodnight.

So, there is no doubt that Amare is a tantalizing possibility. Still, after a few minutes of tinkering with ESPN's Trade Machine (i'll furnish links when I edit this post tomorrow!), it becomes clear that there are a few serious obstacles to a potential trade. First off, the Bulls would in all likelihood have to give up Drew Gooden and his 7 million plus expiring contract. I know Amare is a beast, but to be honest, I really like Gooden's game when he's healthy. In addition, Chicago would have to give up at least one of Tyrus Thomas or Joakim Noah. I would rather see Noah go. But honestly, I think Tyrus' value is a lot higher at this point, and I would hate to see John Paxson send away another developing low post baller (think Tyson Chandler) just so he can play his best seasons elsewhere.

As Steve Aschburner points out in the above linked article, Amare has some serious flaws in his game, especially defensively, that make him a questionable match for the Bulls. And he is injury prone (witness knee microfracture surgery). Still, the kid is a four time All-Star. This is one of those possible deals that would have made former Bulls Trib beat writer Sam Smith salivate and produce column after column of potential trades. All I can think is that if Chicago and Pax decide to pull the trigger, I hope they don't mortgage the future in doing it. Don't dump Luol Deng. Don't get rid of Hinrich, who is invaluable as a Derrick Rose safety valve. If we can swing Amare for Gooden and Gordon, or Gooden and a first rounder, or any of several other possible combos not involving those two (Deng and Hinrich), well, as a fan at home, I would love to see what happens. In terms of building for the future, you can do a lot worse than Rose and Amare. It will be interesting to see what pans out here in the next few weeks, for sure.