ESPN reports that the Boston Celtics, as they continue to field but remain unreceptive to offers for Rajon Rondo, are willing to make a deal with the Knicks for a player on a big contract: Amar'e Stoudemire.
While C's not moving Rondo, they would take back Amare in deal n which they could unload longer deals of Gerald Wallace &/or Courtney Lee
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) November 18, 2013
The move would be a short-term win and a long-term loss for the Knicks. Getting out from under Stoudemire's deal has good parts, but he's unlikely to take an opt-out for next season. Meanwhile, Wallace and Lee are fully guaranteed until 2016. So if you're the Knicks, this team gets better, but you lose the ability to clear space to add another star next to Carmelo Anthony in 2015, a big part of the Knicks' pitch to Melo this summer when he's a free agent.
So the Celtics are basically offering to be the Knicks' panic trade partner, but unless Boston decides to include Vitor Faverani or another big, it doesn't do New York much good.
However, it's notable that the two teams continue talking.
Stoudemire's been unable to stay on the floor and has been frustrated with Mike Woodson's minute restriction on him, while averaging three points and two rebounds in just ten minutes of play per game.
