Stoudemire Deal Dead?

It appears the Bulls are fast becoming the favorite to trade for Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire. Those around the Miami Heat believe team president Pat Riley has given up on a deal for Stoudemire because the Suns don't want to take back forward Shawn Marion. The Heat has refocused on a trade for Toronto's Jermaine O'Neal before the NBA's deal deadline next Thursday. Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Marion was traded from Phoenix to Miami about a year ago for Shaquille O'Neal. Before the game, he was asked if he ever thought former Suns teammate Amare Stoudemire would follow him out of Phoenix. Stoudemire has been linked to the Bulls and Heat in trade talks.

"Everybody's tradable in this league," Marion said. "They said the same thing about me: 'Man, I never thought they would trade Shawn.'

"Things happen. I wish him luck, whatever happens. Amare's a talented player. He's definitely one of the best scoring power forwards in this league. It's just a matter of where he goes and what system he's in, how it's going to work out."

The buzz in Miami suggests the Heat is not likely to land Stoudemire. But Marion, who has a $17 million expiring contract, is probably headed to Toronto with guard Marcus Banks for Jermaine O'Neal. Source: Arlington Heights Daily Herald