While the New York Knicks' home court of Madison Square Garden prepares to co-host All-Star weekend activities, Amar'e Stoudemire will spend next week's break mulling his future.
Stoudemire told Yahoo Sports that he is contemplating asking the team for a buyout amid a sluggish and forgetful season for New York.
"It's not an easy decision to make," Stoudemire told the website. "Over time, we will see how things pan out. You give yourself a break during the All-Star break. You think about it with your family. ... That will give me a good solid week on how to weigh out the rest of the season."
ESPN reports that the Knicks have had internal discussions about offering a buyout to Stoudemire, but he told the publication that they haven't approached him yet.
"I haven't talked with Phil [Jackson] or [GM] Steve Mills yet about the future," Stoudemire said Wednesday via ESPN. "I'm sure we'll have a conversation soon about it."
Stoudemire, 32, is entering the last half of the final season on his contract and a buyout could help him move to a contender. He signed a five-year, $99.7 million with the Knicks in 2010 and is set to make around $23.4 million this season.
New York currently sits at 10-39, which puts them in last place in the Eastern Conference.
The 2003 Rookie of the Year and six-time NBA All-Star said even if he leaves, New York will always be special to him.
"My heart always lies with the Knicks. My loyalty is with [Knicks owner] Mr. [Jim] Dolan," Stoudemire told Yahoo! Sports. "I feel like New York is my home now. I feel like I'm a New Yorker for sure. I have a farm here. I have family and friends here. New York will always be my home whether I am here playing for the Knicks or not."
Stoudemire has dealt with myriad injuries this season and said staying motivated is hard on the campaign amid the team's struggles.
"The toughest part is staying motivated through all the ups and downs, keeping the guys competitive," he said. "This requires an extreme, great amount of perseverance for something like this, especially for me to be 13 years in the NBA and dealing with this type of record. But since we are here, we have to become great leaders, work with the young guys on their mistakes and continue to improve."
With all his injuries, Stoudemire has been held to just 32 games this season and averages 12.2 points and seven rebounds per game on the campaign.
What the future holds after the All-Star break is up in the air.
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