Feb. 17--Six-time All-Stars rarely become available as free agents in midseason unless they come with considerable drawbacks.
Amare Stoudemire has two major downsides: his knees.
The veteran power forward-center has missed more than a season's worth of games in the last 3½ years primarily because of knee, ankle and wrist issues.
That doesn't mean a handful of playoff contenders, including the Clippers, aren't hoping to sign Stoudemire for the rest of the season because of his potential to boost their frontcourt.
The 6-foot-10 Stoudemire was released Monday by the New York Knicks and is expected to clear waivers and become available Wednesday afternoon.
Stoudemire, 32, is believed to be considering the Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns. He has proven to be a valuable backup when healthy, averaging 12.0 points and 6.8 rebounds in 24.0 minutes in 36 games this season for the Knicks.
The Mavericks could have an edge in their pursuit of Stoudemire because of the presence of center Tyson Chandler, who spent three seasons as Stoudemire's teammate in New York. Dallas has been short-handed at power forward since trading Brandan Wright as part of the Rajon Rondo deal.
Dallas (36-19) and the Clippers (35-19) are separated by only half a game in the Western Conference standings and both offer star-laden lineups and championship coaches. Each team also can offer only a veteran's minimum contract because of salary cap restrictions.
The Clippers have one open spot on their roster they could use to sign Stoudemire, a 13-year veteran with career averages of 20.0 points and 8.2 rebounds. Their pursuit of Stoudemire is similar to their quest last season to sign veteran forward Danny Granger, a former All-Star with declining capabilities who averaged 8.0 points in 12 regular-season games with the Clippers.
If Stoudemire signs with the Clippers he probably would take some of Spencer Hawes' playing time.
Knicks President Phil Jackson told reporters in New York that Stoudemire, who is making $23.4 million this season in the final year of his contract, initiated buyout talks in hopes of joining a team with title aspirations. The Knicks (10-43) are in full rebuild mode and are seeking to slash costs as part of their makeover.
Stoudemire never lived up to the five-year, $99.7-million contract he signed with New York in the summer of 2010. He was an All-Star for the last time in the 2010-11 season before injuries cut short his playing time in each of the next four seasons.
Stoudemire missed 14 of 18 games during one stretch this season because of a variety of injuries before returning early this month.
"Although I leave the Knicks with a heavy heart, I wish the organization the best of luck," Stoudemire said in a statement released by the team. "Once a Knick always a Knick."
And soon likely a Clipper, Maverick or Sun.
ben.bolch@latimes.com
