New York Knicks: Five worst contract signings in franchise history
2. Amar’e Stoudemire: Five years, $100 million
Five years later, when the New York Knicks had maximum cap space, they vied for this historic 2010 free-agent class. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and other big names did not land with them, but they found — at the time — the next best piece to reunite with his Phoenix Suns coach, Amar’e Stoudemire.
On five years, $100 million, it was expensive for a player with an injury history, but Stoudemire became one of New York’s biggest signings ever. After years of franchise misery, this seemed to revitalize the city’s basketball and start the track towards playoff success.
For one season, Stoudemire was elite, averaging over 25 points and eight rebounds per game. It was just as the contract ordered. He played well alongside the young players that started the 2010-11 season on the team, and while the fit came into question next to Carmelo Anthony, they still worked okay.
However, Year Two returned the knee and back injuries for Stoudemire, leading to the following game totals and points per game for the rest of his contract:
- 2011-12: 47 games and 17.5 points
- 2012-13: 29 games and 14.2 points
- 2013-14: 65 games and 11.9 points
- 2014-15: 36 games and 12.0 points
The Knicks bought out Stoudemire in 2014-15.
2011-13 still brought three consecutive playoff appearances, but for Stoudemire’s struggles to stay on the court and produce, he only contributed to the first run and hampered the payroll.
Three years since his last game, Stoudemire is attempting an NBA comeback. He had 15 teams, including the Knicks, in attendance, but remains unsigned.