Reports: Knicks buy out Stoudemire’s contract

On the same day the New York Knicks were hosting the NBA All-Star Game, the team also was tweaking its roster.

The Knicks reached an agreement to buy out the contract of forward/center Amar’e Stoudemire, multiple media outlets reported Sunday night.

Knicks All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony said he heard the news shortly before his post-All-Star Game press conference.

“I couldn’t believe it. I thought they were lying to me,” Anthony said. “Amar’e brought something back to New York that New York had been missing for a long time. One of the main reasons I’m a New York Knick today was because of him.”

Stoudemire is in the last season of a five-year, $99.7 million deal. Assuming no team claims him and takes on his $23.4 million salary, he would clear waivers on Wednesday afternoon, making him a free agent.

Media reports Sunday night indicated the possible suitors for Stoudemire’s services could include the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.

Stoudemire, 32, appeared in 36 games for the Knicks this season, making 14 starts. He averaged 12 points and 6.8 rebounds in 24 minutes per game, well off his career averages of 20 points, 8.2 rebounds and 32.6 minutes per game.

Phoenix’s first-round draft pick in 2002, Stoudemire spent eight seasons with the Suns. He signed with New York before the 2010-11 season, and during his four-plus seasons with the Knicks, he appeared in a total of 12 playoff games while averaging 11.2 points and 5.5 rebounds.