Though the summer free agent class is expected to include the likes of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, a well-placed source said because neither is likely headed to New Jersey, the Nets have had conversations with Phoenix about trading for Suns All-Star power forward Amar’e Stoudemire.
Yahoo Sports reported on Sunday that the Suns have been more proactive in initiating trade talks before the Feb. 18 deadline since re-signing Stoudemire seems less likely, and citing the Nets — along with the Bulls, Heat, 76ers and Pistons — as possible destinations.
Though a source said the Suns’ preference is to make other moves that will allow them to keep Stoudemire, who can opt out of his contract this summer, and void the final $17.7 million year of his deal, the team is bracing itself for Plan B.
Stoudemire has paid close attention to the Nets — openly praising their young talent base — and is well aware they already have the components in place for him to succeed, namely a center (Brook Lopez) and a point guard (Devin Harris or Kentucky freshman John Wall, should the Nets win the NBA’s draft lottery).
⇒ The Nets will face the Clippers tomorrow, trying to avoid becoming the first team in NBA history to go 3-40.
⇒ An MRI on Harris’ hand came back negative, and the All-Star guard is listed as day-to-day.