Amar’e Stoudemire Joins Miami Heat, Signs One-Year Contract
NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire is taking his talents to South Beach!
The 32-year-old power forward has signed a one-year deal to play for the Miami Heat during the 2015-2016 season.
Pat Riley, former head coach and current team president, issued an official statement expressing his excitement over having Amar’e Stoudemire join the team.
“We are very fortunate that a proven All-Star like Amar’e has chosen the Miami Heat. He is going to bring gravitas, leadership and a hardworking mentality to our team as we look to win another Championship in Miami.”
Amar’e Stoudemire celebrated the new contract and confirmed his signing with a tweet and Instagram post on Friday.
It’s official. miamiheat From Polk County To Dade County. #FloridaBoy MIAMI STANDUP!! @… https://t.co/4wZb7AXJeq
— Amar’e Stoudemire (@Amareisreal) July 10, 2015
According to the Sun Sentinel, Stoudemire will reportedly earn $1.5 million through his new contract. Amar’e Stoudemire ended last season playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. Before he made the move to Texas, Stoudemire spent five years playing for the New York Knicks.
What a disastrous summer of 2010 RT @SportsCenter New York Knicks waive Amar’e Stoudemire. » http://t.co/xCgpkNUr8Z pic.twitter.com/Oyy1kYJRKb
— Fred Hwang (@FHWANG007) February 18, 2015
Back in February, Phil Jackson confirmed the decision to waive Amar’e Stoudemire — bringing his time in New York to an end. Jackson had nothing but positive things to say about Stoudemire in an official statement discussing the decision and his long-term vision for the team.
“Amar’e’s period as a Knickerbocker has come to pass, at his request. His time here should be marked by recognizing his effort – it was 100-percent. As we move forward in structuring this team, we will look for players that exhibit his desire to win.”
After being selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Amar’e Stoudemire spent the first eight years of his professional career wearing a Phoenix Suns jersey.
Amar’e Stoudemire se plantea volver a los Phoenix Suns http://t.co/fR85P4ZhEN pic.twitter.com/bpcexsi69u
— The Rise of the Suns (@RiseOfTheSuns) June 22, 2015
Stoudemire has not played on a team in the NBA during a championship season yet.
Report: Amar’e Stoudemire signs with the Miami Heat. Great signing. pic.twitter.com/ihgmvRTKSe
— NBA Talk (@NBA_Updates15) July 10, 2015
Amar’e Stoudemire sign with Miami Heat, watch out EasternConference
— Carlos Avila (@Carlitos305_) July 10, 2015
However, that lengthy streak might come to an end during his first season with the Miami Heat — a team that has won championship rings three times within the last ten years.
[Image Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images]
