PHOENIX (AP) - Amare Stoudemire is puzzled by the Phoenix Suns' plans, and isn't sure he'd want to stay with the team unless they are figured out.
Stoudemire said Wednesday he is ready for next season, five months after eye surgery. But he doesn't know if he'll be with the Suns, who have been fielding trade offers for their All-Star power forward.
"Nothing's solid," said Stoudemire, who had surgery to repair a torn retina in February. "That's what's crazy about the situation is that there's no solid decision right now. I don't think nobody knows. From a player standpoint, nobody knows what's going on, so it's difficult for us right now to focus on our approach to the upcoming season because we don't know who's going to be here."
Stoudemire can become a free agent after next season, but said he'd like to remain with the team that drafted him in the first round in 2002 - as long as the Suns are contenders. Phoenix missed the playoffs last season.
"Right now, it all depends on what team I decide I want to go to," Stoudemire said. "If I want to sign an extension with a mediocre team - probably not. I'll sign an extension with a team that has a future. You follow what I'm saying? The ball is in their court now."
Seeking to cut payroll, the Suns listened to offers for both Stoudemire and Shaquille O'Neal before the trade deadline in February. They finally traded O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers last month, and there have been reports that they also could move Stoudemire.
He believes he deserves a maximum extension, and thinks he knows why the Suns haven't offered one.
"I think one: currency," he said. "I think that's one reason why a lot of decisions around here are being made. I think two, just from the simple fact of them not seeing me play the last 30 games of last season. But history proves that I've bounced back from injuries better than anyone ever in this league, so I'm going to do it again."