Fan's Memo to Robert Sarver: Re-sign Amare

[Shooly]

Longtime lurker here emerging from the shadows.

I was one of those Suns fans who, for a long time, had given up hope for Amare in becoming the true leader of this team and I too, thought he would eventually be moved. He always seemed to be content with taking the backseat to Nash both on and off the court. I was always hopeful though that he would grow and mature into that strong veteran leader and learn to carry the team when he knew he was needed. Up until the last couple months I have held that same opinion.

I know some will say he's just playing for a contract right now and that he'll fall off as soon as he gets his money, but I see something different.

Amare has been nothing short of amazing the last few months. I really think he's turned the corner in terms of his on-the-court leadership and ability to take over a game when he has to. We've seen him do it several times in the last 8 weeks. The guy's professionalism can't be overlooked either. I give credit to both Kerr and Amare for being respectful to one another while also respecting "the process" of trade talk, contract talk, etc.

From what I hear, the contract differences aren't about his annual salary, but more about how many years they want to give him. Amare wants a 4-year extension (total 5 yrs) or a 5 year-deal from another team. I hear Sarver's only willing to give him 2-3 years, something like that.

Look, it will take YEARS to get another bug man like Amare. Bite the bullet, Sarver, and give Amare the max. He's shown his desire to come back from some of the worst injuries a player can face. He's done that. He's proven he can be that franchise player. So do it, Kerr. Give him the max.

For those of you who agree, I've started a page on Facebook for you to join.

Click here: A memo to Robert Sarver: Re-sign Amare Stoudemire

Please become a fan and suggest the page to all your friends who are also Suns fans. Also, if you're on twitter, tweet this link to your fellow Suns fans. I'm planning on growing this group as large as possible on Twitter and Facebook.

[impulsenine]

Three reasons they don't want to give him 5 years:

His eyeballs.
Left knee.
Right knee.

That said, I think if they do a 4-year extension that is not the max (and he didn't ask), I will be happy about it.

[MaryvalesFinest]

They were talking about trading him for almost three years and he would have been in a Rockets uniform if they agreed to waive the physicals, I know that was before Amare went on his tear but I don't think they would base a few month sample on handing a guy over 100M. Not to mention Kerr said a few years ago when Marion was asking for the max, only guys like Lebron, Kobe and Duncan deserve it or something along those lines. Yeah it's going to set this team back by losing their leading scorer and rebounder but they have to rebuild eventually and this would force them into rebuilding mode.

The only thing I'm worried about is if they think this team can compete as long as Nash is here, they might sneak into the 8th spot without Amare but why? Somehow I have a feeling Sarver and Kerr are going to try and sell the fans on Channing Frye being the starting PF next to Lopez but hey at least Nash got paid and still sells tickets right?

[Azsports77]

If Sarver doesn't resign Amare he will be run out of Phoenix. It will take a decade to find someone of Amare's caliber again the draft has so little talent that can play at the level Amare is playing at their is no way Sarver can keep Steve Kerr if he doesn't resign Amare and that may not be enough if he does indeed let Amare go. Sarver will need body guards if he lets Amare walk that's how bad it will get. The fans no that Nash can no longer be a true starter because when he plays a lot of minutes he blows games in the fourth. So here it is trade Amare and be a basement dweller for a decade and risk the fact that it could be a long time before you have a player of his caliber. Sorry but I can't see Sarver surviving Amare not being resigned even if he is the owner.

[hunterxaz]

They were talking about trading him for almost three years and he would have been in a Rockets uniform if they agreed to waive the physicals, I know that was before Amare went on his tear but I don't think they would base a few month sample on handing a guy over 100M.

He wasn't that close to being traded this last deadline. There were never any deals that made it worthwhile.

Not to mention Kerr said a few years ago when Marion was asking for the max, only guys like Lebron, Kobe and Duncan deserve it or something along those lines. Yeah it's going to set this team back by losing their leading scorer and rebounder but they have to rebuild eventually and this would force them into rebuilding mode.

Marion != Stat. Stat is up there with the Kobes, Lebrons, and Duncans. Not sure if you noticed, but we don't need a rebuild. We're just about 2nd seed and looking to make a run to the Finals.

The only thing I'm worried about is if they think this team can compete as long as Nash is here, they might sneak into the 8th spot without Amare but why? Somehow I have a feeling Sarver and Kerr are going to try and sell the fans on Channing Frye being the starting PF next to Lopez but hey at least Nash got paid and still sells tickets right?

They're going to lock up Amare to ride Nash and him as far as they can. No way Kerr/Sarver try to sell us Frye, he's probably going to be one of the guys we lose if anyone -- because he may want a crazy contract.

I'm not sure why you guys are taking such dumps on Amare and Steve. We are lucky enough to have the number 1 point guard in the NBA... and he's only getting better -- we have the number 1 PF in the game... We have a great bench with Dragic, Barbosa, Dudley, Frye.

You guys must not be paying attention... make no mistake, the Suns are running and gunning for that championship this year, and next.

[WTFsunsFTW]

Im confident his play has taken a turn and it isnt smoke and mirrors, but again, wait for the playoffs to make up your mind.

[ruiner]

That Rocket deal was such Chad Ford BS. Sarver had already told Amare he was going nowhere night before, Whole physical thing is (Please Use More Appropriate Word) in its own right. Whole thing made no sense.

We need to sign him though.

[RunDogGun]

hey at least Nash got paid and still sells tickets right?

We received a heck of a lot from Steve for much cheaper than we should have. Why do people forget this? Plus I don't remember Steve getting $13 million for three games, do you? If we do re-sign Amare, it will have to be for $14 million, or we won't be able to build a competitive team around him. If we over pay, which seems what many are saying, we will see Sarver continue to sell off the future, and make panic moves like trading KT and two firsts for a conditional second rounder just to save money.

Duncan took a heck of a lot less to keep his team strong, it is time for Amare to put the team first. How greedy do these players need to be?

[Qwigglez]

Lol Hunter I think the Suns are making huge strides forward but if we don't have Lopez in the playoffs then I think a first or second round exit sounds right.

[hunterxaz]

If you are going to win you have to win at all costs. We're 2-0 w/o Lopez, wins are wins and every single game matters in the West. We'll see.

[Qwigglez]

We are 2-0 against sub-par teams. Nothing to brag home about. I'm happy we are winning as much as the next guy but I'm just saying the team won't stand a chance without Lopez in the playoffs. Luckily right now we are facing teams that either don't have a good PF or a good C.

[hunterxaz]

Nope, we will. We can win without Lopez, we're better w/ Lopez, but we can still win. The more Collins plays, the more he'll get into the rhythm of being a starter.

Like I said, you can't write off any wins because they're against bad teams. Every game matters. Unless you want to be the Spurs and get knocked off by the Nets, etc.

[DirtyDez]

If giving Amare 20+ mil per year means that we have to trade Nash i'm okay with it. I can't watch Nash break-down at the end of 2 more season. Same with Hill... If Amare proves he can play like this every game and our medical staff OK's his knee then i'll be fine with it. Just don't wanna see that follow-up knee surgery after follow-up knee surgery into his late 20's early 30's.

[hunterxaz]

Nash hasn't broken down or shown signs of it. Why is it even in question? He's better than ever.

[DirtyDez]

He's breaking down. He can barely shoot from 20+ ft. He's 36 years old. He doesn't look like he has more than 15 games left in him this year... Luckily for us he's still tough as nails but i'm worried about him physically, that's all.

[hunterxaz]

lol. He's one of the most in-shape players in the NBA, physically fit. It's an 82 game season man, everyone shows wear and tear, even Kobe and Lebron and all the other players on Nash's level.

[LV-Suns]

Nash hasn't broken down or shown signs of it. Why is it even in question? He's better than ever.

Not sure what games you are watching, this Nash cannot be even comparable to 3 years ago or even the one from November. There is talks about about Nash taking off games resting every game, that's not a sign? Hell, he has been very average for a while now.

[Nando88]

hunter = terrible

[lilfishi22]

Im confident his play has taken a turn and it isnt smoke and mirrors, but again, wait for the playoffs to make up your mind.

I'll go with that.

[realsunsfan]

You know I can't believe some of you guys are starting to bag on Nash, the guy has been battling a back injury for a few weeks now and he still continues perform at a top level. Last night he was doped up not only on the treatment for his back but also for the flu and he still found a way to pull the game out at the end, but if they feel he needs a little rest, which is the smart thing to do, you guys start doubting him............c'mon guys, just look at his numbers for the year, he shows no signs of decline.......