The Phoenix Suns staff, known as the best Medical and Training Staff in the NBA advised the Suns front office that it would not be wise to offer Amare a fully guaranteed 5 year contract because they thought he had a good chance of breaking down in year 3.
In order to PROTECT themselves, they told Amar'e they'll offer him 5 years IF he could play X amount of games and minutes in years 3, 4 and 5. If his knees and back held up, he'd have nothing to worry about. But if he didn't play X amount of games and minutes his contract right around this time, would be non guaranteed, and they could cut him after Year 3.
The Knicks needing to make a splash in 2010 after striking out with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh, chose to guarantee all 5 years, which was mind boggling since nobody else was offering Amare that, so they essentially bid against themselves.
Now they're stuck with an aging roster full of guys who can't play (Sheed, Kurt Thomas) or have nothing left in the tank (Camby, Kidd).
Go Knicks.
