Embattled Knicks owner James Dolan has a lot on his plate now, absorbing the horror of a 10-41 season and the embarrassment of his viciously worded email to a longtime Knicks fan being exposed on Deadspin on Sunday.
But one matter Dolan still must deal with is whether to let Amar’e Stoudemire free of the final two months of his contract. It could be a no-brainer — a win-win for both parties.
The Knicks get an open roster spot to sign a D-League player or add another NBA player to the roster if they can use either of their two trade exceptions by the Feb. 19 deadline. Stoudemire gets to take his new inside game to a playoff contender and show he deserves a contract for next season.
“No comment,’’ Stoudemire said when asked if he has sat down with Knicks brass yet to discuss.
Through his five years, Stoudemire has rarely embarrassed the franchise — though he once dealt with his own “direct-message’’ Twitter fiasco a few years back, typing a gay slur to a heckling fan that became public.
Stoudemire’s good deeds have outweighed his bad. That’s why he is not hated by the Knicks fan base, despite his $100 million contract that became an albatross as his knees turned to mush. Because of his relentless hard work and diligence, he still can be an offensive force in a limited role despite all his surgeries — something of a medical miracle. He still is a defensive liability.
As one scout said: “He can’t defend, rebound or dribble two times without risking a turnover. His value to the Knicks where they are now is limited.’’
Fans are conflicted about Stoudemire, respecting his classy conduct. Stoudemire brought credibility to the franchise in 2010 when Dolan’s team desperately needed some after being spurned by everyone from LeBron James to Chris Bosh to Joe Johnson.
Stoudemire has been to prison to give hope to Rikers Island’s young prisoners, read to children in Harlem and come out with his own kids books. He has been a role model. On Tuesday he will be in Lake Wales, Fla., before the Knicks face Orlando for a charity event in which he refurbishes basketball courts where he honed his skills as a kid.
He has done a lot of good off the court — even connecting with the large Jewish community of New York, abiding by customs of Judaism. He co-owns a pro team in Jerusalem, where he may finish his career.
With his flashy wardrobe and haberdashery, Stoudemire has been quite the character. Writers who have covered him a while suppress smiles when he talks about soon getting back to “my dominant self.’’
Stoudemire’s Knicks legacy is winding down. Though he has flip-flopped since the London trip on the issue, he now says he will take the All-Star break to decide whether he wants to be waived to sign elsewhere with the Knicks playing for ping-pong balls and playing their younger players.
There is value in wanting to keep him, helping keep the ship afloat especially if Carmelo Anthony shuts it down by March. But if Stoudemire isn’t comfortable here, Dolan, team president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills should do the right thing.
Jackson has always admired Stoudemire’s attitude and Dolan and the player have enjoyed a good, respectful relationship across the years despite all the ups and downs — mostly downs.
The Knicks couldn’t get rid of power forward Zach Randolph and David Lee fast enough to create the cap space that ultimately led to Stoudemire’s 2010 signing.
Stoudemire’s first season with the Knicks was glorious. As Lee pointed out the other night, “MVP caliber.’’ But his inability to coexist with Anthony and eroding knees diminished Stoudemire.
The Knicks face the Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena on Monday — site of one of Stoudemire’s most notorious moments. After the Knicks dropped Game 2 of the 2012 playoffs, Stoudemire punched the plate-glass cover of a fire extinguisher, nearly lost a finger as the Knicks lost the series in five games.
The past two games — after coming back from a four-game absence with an ankle sprain — Stoudemire has looked like an inside force. After potentially playing his final home game Saturday, Stoudemire said, “I’m still a New York Knick and I plan on being here for a while. Until things change.”
Stoudemire may just want to finish out his Knicks journey and be a steadying influence for the young players. But if another contender wants Stoudemire, with Dallas the front-runner, Dolan should set him free if that’s what he wants.
Shalom, my friend.