HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets drives with the basketball against Amar'e Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks during their game at the Toyota Center on November 24, 2014 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Six-time All-Star calls it quits, but not with the team that knew him best

Why would he retire with this team?

Amar'e Stoudemire spent his last year in the NBA  with the Miami Heat and there were times when he looked like his old self. He only averaged 5.8 points and 4.3 rebounds last season, but it was a solid season considering he didn't get starter minutes and had to play behind Hassan Whiteside, Chris Bosh and even Josh McRoberts.

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Despite spending his best years and winning the Rookie of the Year award in Phoenix, Stoudemire signed a contract with New York so he could retire as a Knick. He spent four and a half seasons there with Carmelo Anthony and he said those were some of his favorite years.

"I came to New York in 2010 to help revitalize this franchise and we did just that. Carmelo [Anthony], Phil and Steve have continued this quest, and with this year's acquisitions, the team looks playoff-bound once again. Although my career has taken me to other places around the country, my heart had always remained in the Big Apple. Once a Knick, Always a Knick."

Most fans will remember Stoudemire with the Suns though as he and Steve Nash formed an almost unstoppable pick-and-roll duo. That was good enough to help him average 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game during that time.

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Stoudemire could still play overseas and has received serious interest from China. He also could play for Hapoel Jerusalem, a team that he co-owns. Sources tell ESPN's Marc Stein that Stoudemire plans to take some time before deciding if he intends to play pro basketball abroad in the coming season.

 

[h/t ESPN]