Suns forward Amar'e Stoudemire maintains that there is a "50-50" chance that he'll return to the team next season.

He can opt out of the final year of his contract, which would pay him $17 million, and he's looking for a maximum deal.

"This year's been amazing for us," Stoudemire said. "We've done a lot, we've grown a lot. We've improved so much within one year. It's definitely been one of the most exciting seasons I've ever had. We definitely want to continue that, so if that's possible that would be great."

The Suns pushed the defending NBA champion Lakers to six games in the Western Conference Finals before bowing out on Saturday night.

Phoenix owner Robert Sarver said he wants the emotion of the playoffs to subside before he, general manager Steve Kerr and the rest of the front office begin to address the Stoudemire issue and others facing the team.