In the past the Phoenix Suns have been adamant that the value of Amare Stoudemire to the franchise is integral, and would only be in jeopardy if his eyes or his knees began acting up again. For the record, those issues don’t seem to be giving him any troubles. Amare has played in all 43 games for the Suns this season, averaging 34.7 minutes and putting up 21.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.

However, with contract extensions and the penny pinching Suns most likely headed towards disaster, Phoenix is suddenly entertaining the idea of trading Stoudemire.

It’s a good time to talk about it with the Bulls coming into town tonight. The Bulls are thought to be a team that would target Amare, but who knows if they would part with defensive rebounding guru Joakim Noah along with other pieces to get him. Because it will at least take that.

The Amare era in Phoenix should be over with, it’s been a failed attempt for the most part, and while the team looks to save some money, there is no better time to trade him than right now. Why wait for another Knee injury and watch his value decrease and then put him on the block?

Last game: Jan 20, Phoenix Suns 118 – New Jersey Nets 94
Next game: vs. Chicago Bulls, Jan 22 10:30pm ET