NBA: Stoudemire transferring to Knicks

NEW YORK—Amare Stoudemire is headed to the New York Knicks, and will sign later this week when the free agent signing moratorium ends, he and the team said Monday.

Stoudemire, wearing a blue Knicks hat, said he looked forward to helping rebuild the flailing franchise - perhaps alongside another marquee free agent such as LeBron James or Dwyane Wade.

"I feel great about being a pioneer and showing my leadership," he said at Madison Square Garden, where signs showed the player in a Knicks uniform and read "Welcome, Amare Stoudemire."

The deal can't be signed until Thursday, after the salary cap for next season has been confirmed.

Since the free agency negotiating period opened last Thursday, the Knicks have met with a string of free agents, including superstar James - who is mulling whether to stay with Cleveland or make a move to another NBA team. Miami's Wade and Toronto's Chris Bosh face the same decision.

Stoudemire said he had spoken to the James camp and directly with Wade.

James, meanwhile, gave no indication Monday that he had made up his mind.

He put in an unexpected appearance at a basketball camp in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, working out for two hours and declining to answer any questions.

James has been wooed by the Cavaliers - who dearly want to keep their star - as well as the Knicks, Chicago and at least three other teams.

Wade has also heard pitches from several teams, including Chicago - where he has family ties - and a Miami team keen to keep him.

Source: Inquirer