Amar’e Stoudemire is taking his talents to Israel.
The six-time All-Star made it official Monday at a press conference at Madison Square Garden when he signed a two-year deal to be an active player for Hapoel Jerusalem. Stoudemire, who had been a partial owner of the Jerusalem team, will sell his shares to team president and majority owner Ori Allon.
Stoudemire, who played 4 1/2 of his 16 NBA seasons with the Knicks, announced his retirement last week after signing a one-day contract with the Knicks so he could say he retired with the team.
Stoudemire, 33, said his decision to play in Israel is spiritual as much as professional.