Knicks, Amar'e agree to buyout

Report.

The Knicks would not confirm the report Sunday, which cited a league source. Stoudemire had said before the All-Star break that he wasn't sure if he wanted to stay with the team, which has the NBA's worst record, knowing he didn't have much time left in his career to chase a championship.

Carmelo Anthony says it was hard for him to believe Stoudemire was leaving, but that if his friend wanted to play for a contender that ''nobody should hold that away from him.''

Anthony adds: ''One of the main reasons why I'm a New York Knick today was because of him. To see him leave, to see the situation where it's at right now, I know what he wants and you have to respect that.''

At this point, it's pretty clear that he's comfortable with a smaller role. If he's fine playing 24 minutes a game for the worst team in the league, I'm sure he's willing to sacrifice for the good of a team that's in contention. His numbers - while not something you'd want to pay in excess of $20 million for - are pretty respectable for the amount of minutes he's playing, and would be good value at the league minimum. I'm sure he'll draw interest from top teams; his ability to stay healthy is going to be a concern, but for that price, a team that feels it just needs one more piece in the frontcourt is going to take the risk.

Possible destinations are Dallas, San Antonio, LA (Clippers).

I love the thought of Stoudemire finally being able to play somewhere that actually has a decent chance at winning. Supposedly Phoenix and Portland are out of the running for him.

A final run in Phoenix certainly has sentimental value, but it's not really his best shot at a championship. I'm guessing wherever he does end up, he'd still like to see a decent amount of playing time, around the 24 minutes per game he was getting in New York.

Mavs.

Amar'e Stoudemire has committed to signing with the Dallas Mavericks, league sources tell RealGM. Stoudemire will sign a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum once he clears waivers.

Stoudemire and the New York Knicks agreed upon a buyout on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs were also interested in Stoudemire.

Low risk move for them, solid choice for him.

Solid. But at the same time I don't think they'll get much help from them. It all depends on how healthy the Mavericks stay in general.

That is the big question with Amar'e, but his contributions have been solid when he has been on the court.

Playing with Rondo and Ellis should help. He won't have to create his own shots as often as he had to with the New York Knicks issolation-heavy offense.

Done deal.

Amare Stoudemire is signed and set for his debut with the Dallas Mavericks.

The six-time All-Star forward signed for the prorated veteran minimum of about $460,000, and the deal was announced about the same time he was expected to be on a flight to Oklahoma City with his new teammates. The Mavericks return from the All-Star break at the Thunder on Thursday night.

Good for him. Glad to see him in a winning situation again.