True, but he did have a relapse that delayed his return when he initially came back. A lot of people were saying he was done citing Alan Houston, Penny Hardaway etc but he has come back strong.Amare Stoudemire had microfracture surgery. He played 82 and 79 games the following two seasons.
LMAO at him saying he would stay only if we landed two superstars and then he would take a pay cut!
He needs to realize that he isnt getting paid more than 5 million next year from any team, even if he averages 20+ for the remainder of the season!
He should look at the rest of this year as Pre Season -so to speak- and he should consider next season his chance to show teams that he can play a full season at a high level, then in 2011-2012 thats when he should be looking to re-up on his money.
T-Mac could prove to be the perfect 3rd-option compliment to WHICHEVER 2-big free agents we recruit this summer. For example, imagine this:
Sergio Rodriguez
Tracy Mcgrady
Lebron James
Wilson Chandler
Chris Bosh
Bench: Gallo (6th man, 3-point specialist), Douglas (backup PG), House or Harrington (more instant offense off the bench), Bender, Curry, Walker + two 2nd round picks (bodies to fill out the roster).
I mean, this has to be plan-A. Who would not be stoked about this. Sure, it would require folks like T-Mac, Sergio, House/Harrington willing to stay aboard on the cheap. But, of course, if Walsh brings in Lebron + Bosh, well it makes that decision easier, no?
Say they can't get Bosh... well they let Harrington-House walk, and the pursue Amare... Or bring back David Lee along with offering Tyrus Thomas a deal.
There are options.
Back to TMAC. He's made his money. I doubt there will be tremendous offers out there. Maybe playing 3rd fiddle in NY is attractive enough where he'll accept less money. We'll see.
We will have enough money actually...regardless of what the cap reads. McGrady is willing to take the veterans minimum if LeBron, Wade, Bosh or Astat sign with the Knicks. Look at the article on ESPN. If his play warrants more money than that, he might ask for the MLE that we have back now thanks to the trade of Jeffries. I think it's possible but I'm scared of what this off-season holds. I like the balls Donnie showed with this trade though and I can't wait to watch T-Mac's debut.not a bad idea at all....but we do not have the money to have that lineup! Our cap would be all gone just off of signing Bosh and Lebron.
Mark my words....if we sign a Max FA, David Lee is going to be the player that follows the signing....which is smart! David Lee plus a max player will cost us 26 million or so, if the cap comes in at the highest projected figure then that still leaves us 9 million to fill in some holes and a player like Marcus Camby could be had for 5 million next year.
And lets say we get Joe Johnson who could be had for 15 million next year. I think we can get David -at least I hope- to sign a 9 million dollar deal next year, with large annual increases. That would cost us 24 million, leaving 11 we give Camby 5 and that leaves 6 million.
I mean I know we have a lot of cap room, but it is not all that much!
David Lee, Sergio Rodriguez and Tracy McGrady = A poor man's Amar'e Stoudemire,Steve Nash and Shawn Marion.