Amar’e Stoudemire to continue playing career in Israel

Amar’e Stoudemire’s decision to retire as a member of the New York Knicks instead of the Phoenix Suns created frustration and confusion among Suns fans.

Stoudemire told reporters that he reached out to the Suns, but the feeling was not mutual. The power forward did not receive any other interest from around the league, prompting his retirement.

Apparently, that retirement was only meant for the NBA.

CBS Sports’ Ananth Pandian, and others, are reporting that the 33-year-old will continue his career in Israel and play for Hapoel Jerusalem next season.

Amar'e Stoudemire agreed to deal with co-owned Hapoel Jerusalem to become best-ever NBA star in Israel. https://t.co/FbRb03vzPJ

— David Pick (@IAmDPick) July 31, 2016

An @iamdpick report says the deal is done to put Amar'e Stoudemire on the floor with the Israeli club where he's a part owner with @oriallon

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 31, 2016

Basketball officials in Israel tell @espn they expect Amar'e Stoudemire to announce Monday that he'll play next season for Hapoel Jerusalem.

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 31, 2016

Stoudemire averaged 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in his 14-year career, spanning four teams: the Suns, Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat. However, Stoudemire’s final season in the league with the Heat saw him play his lowest average in minutes (14.7) and score his lowest average in points (5.8) in his entire career.

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