Amare Stoudemire is a true follower of the American dream. Like the American forefathers, he seeks freedom — in his case, in the form of free agency. In the summer of 2010 he will join the likes of Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, giving him freedom to pursue what he wants (money) where he wants (with whoever will give him the most).

This is another way the four-time All-Star follows the blueprint for any ambitious American success: Get paid now for what you’ll do later.
Stoudemire wasn’t thrilled the Suns weren’t willing to extend his contract for the maximum allowable amount. Consequently, he’s made veiled remarks about how this could be his last season in Phoenix.

Stoudemire wants management to step up and give him long-term security after undergoing two career-threatening eye surgeries. Owner Robert Sarver and general manager Steve Kerr are dumb, but in the way of frugality, not generosity.

Granted, Stoudemire doesn’t play defense, doesn’t rebound and refuses to be a leader of the team. He was recently named a co-captain after slouching off captain-like responsibilities last year. When asked about last year’s squad’s issues, Stoudemire responded, “I’m not a captain. So you can’t put too much of the blame on me. It’s not my job to rally the troops and get everybody on board. It’s the captains’ job to do that.”

So Stoudemire doesn’t want a captain’s responsibilities, but he wants a king’s ransom in cash? Oh, please.

In a real job (with no bailouts or credit clauses), you get a raise after you earn one. This usually occurs when you do your job even better than previously performed. For Stoudemire, this would mean actually playing defense, maybe averaging at least 10 rebounds a game.

For a 6-foot-11-inch, athletically gifted 27-year-old who wants to be acknowledged as one of the best in the game, that shouldn’t be too much to ask — especially given what he’s asking in return.

Stoudemire wants to be mentioned in the same breath as Lebron, Kobe and D-Wade. Well, all of them led their teams in scoring and made the All-Defensive First or Second teams. That’s a big reason why they expect the max, while Stoudemire hopes he’ll get it.

Stoudemire says, “Show me the money.” Sarver and Kerr say, “Show us you’re worth it.”

Usually Sarver and Kerr’s personnel decisions make me bang my head against a wall and shout, “Why?” in frustration. In this case, I actually agree with them.