As Amare Stoudemire edges closer and closer to signing with the New York Knicks (good luck with that, Amare), the Suns are considering bringing back a familiar face, Kurt Thomas.

The Arizona Republic is reporting -- along with lot of other minor details about Amare's departure -- that free agent Lou Amundson has now been priced out of the Suns range and they are considering Thomas as a minimum salary addition.

Thomas, a 37 year old vet with 16 years of NBA service, last played in Phoenix from 2005 to 2007 before being traded in a salary saving move that cost the Suns two first round draft picks, as well.

Thomas would be a great addition to the Suns, providing veteran leadership and toughness to what's otherwise a fairly young front court. While Channing Frye and Hakim Warrick both have several years of NBA experience, neither has been in a consistent starting role or shouldered the responsibilities of mentoring younger players.

Suns ower Robert Sarver recently expressed his appreciation for the "defense wins championships" mentality and bringing in a tough vet like Kurt would be consistent with that approach.