Amar'e Stoudemire worked out informally in Phoenix earlier this week.

Stoudemire, who left the Suns as a free agent, played some pickup basketball as is customary during the NBA's offseason.

He signed a five-year, $99.7 million deal with New York in July.

Suns managing partner Robert Sarver offered him a five-year, $96.6 million contract with $56 million guaranteed.

"It was fair from Robert's standpoint," Stoudemire said. "I understand his concerns, which were injuries and health. There are no hard feelings at all. From a security standpoint for myself and with as much work as I put in on the court, I was after a greater goal. It was a fair offer from his standpoint. We still talk and have a good friendship.

"The greater goal was to have a sense of security. I didn't want a football deal (with some or all of the money non-guaranteed). I want a NBA deal. That's what I ended up getting."