Amar'e Stoudemire ready to 'make a push' with Heat

STAT is ready to help his new team reach a higher stratosphere in 2015-16.

As reported Friday, Amar'e Stoudemire signed a one-year, $1.5-million contract with the Miami Heat. The deal will see the 32-year-old big man play for his third team within the span of one calendar year.

According to the 6-foot-10 power forward, he's both willing to and capable of playing a key role for his new squad.

"Obviously, I bring instant scoring," Stoudemire told The Miami Herald's Joseph Goodman. He added, "I think (Heat president Pat Riley) knew how important it was for me to win now. He's dealing with veteran players ... I think with Miami, it's now time to make a push."

Although Stoudemire was the archetypal power forward throughout the earlier portion of his career, injuries began to take a toll on the player once renowned for his aggressive and explosive style. This upcoming season, he figures to provide backup minutes to Chris Bosh and even some relief work at center behind Hassan Whiteside.

Stoudemire started the 2014-15 campaign as a member of the New York Knicks. The Knicks bought him out in February and the Dallas Mavericks picked him up off waivers a few days after the NBA All-Star break.

Prior to agreeing to join the Heat, the 13-year veteran had reportedly received interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, as they looked to fill the gaping void left by a wishy-washy DeAndre Jordan.

With Stoudemire on board along with the the team's other summer acquisitions, the Heat have positioned themselves as a legitimate threat in the admittedly weak Eastern Conference next season.