National Basketball Association

Amar'e Stoudemire reveals why he retired with the Knicks instead of the Suns

Published Jul. 28, 2016 7:30 p.m. ET

Andrew Lynch

As Stoudemire points out, Phoenix re-signed Jared Dudley and Leandro Barbosa this summer, two veterans who played for the Suns during Stoudemire's time there and who became fan favorites along with the six-time All-Star. And if the Suns had been willing to add Stoudemire, perhaps he would have put off retirement for a year to serve as a third mentor to the next generation in Phoenix.

It's a tough situation for the Suns. They have to find time for Alex Len, Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss in the frontcourt, as well as keeping veteran Tyson Chandler in the mix, which probably means there aren't any minutes for someone like Stoudemire. On the other hand, Stoudemire's not exactly looking for a rotation spot. He played fewer than 15 minutes per game for the Heat last season.

Phoenix likely had its reasons for passing over Stoudemire this summer. For Suns fans, though, this explanation has to hurt.