Shaq heads for the Sun(s)

Xavi6

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=376869

Phoenix acquire O'Neal from Miami in NBA

The Miami Heat have traded centre Shaquille O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks, the Heat said.

Phoenix have the best record in the Western Conference but believe they need a bigger inside presence to battle with the likes of San Antonio's Tim Duncan and the Los Angeles Lakers' newly acquired Pau Gasol.

"We're thrilled to add a player and person of Shaquille's quality to our roster," Suns general manager Steve Kerr said.

The 35-year-old O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion, played four seasons with the Orlando Magic, eight with the L.A Lakers, and was in his fourth season with the Heat.

This season he has been hampered by fitness problems and has averaged a career low 14 points while missing 14 games due to a nagging hip injury.

The Heat, who have the NBA's worst record at 9-37 and have lost 19 of their last 20 games, are looking to rebuild for the future.

Marion, a four-time All-Star has been with Phoenix throughout his nine-year NBA career and has averaged double figures in scoring in every season.

The trade represents a risk for the Suns who as well as losing Marion are banking on O'Neal rediscovering his fitness and form.

"We believe this addition strengthens our team," said Kerr.

"We thank Shawn and Marcus for their contributions to our team.

"Shawn in particular has been a tremendous player for this organisation the past eight-and-a-half years and his impact both on and off the court in Phoenix will not be forgotten."

Can see the thinking behind it. Suns need a big centre if they are to challenge this year. Hopefully Shaq can get himself sorted fitness wise.

WHIP IT!

F*ck!

big news for Shaq. Chance of another ring there when he probably thought he wouldn't get another shot at one...

Good Luck Big Guy!

Lafortezza

Thats a terrible trade. Shaq is 35, has trouble keeping in shape, and must have plenty of niggling injuries at this stage of his career. Marion is an allstar who fits perfectly in with the Suns way of playing.

How is Shaq going to run the floor and keep up with nash/barbosa/etc, he's not a fast tempo player. He won't be a starter either.
I'd put money that this trade is more to do with personalitys and contracts than getting the right player for a team.

phil

Marion leaving is got to do with personalities. As good as Marion is, he's not happy with theh Suns and set out his stall at the start of the season asking to be traded. He's the highest paid Suns player looking for a long contract extension which the Suns didn't want to give him.

Everything I've read suggests this is a direct reaction to the Lakers Gasol trade and I have to agree. The Suns have met and beaten the Lakers the last two years in the playoffs. Cuban was also sniffing around the Shaq deal looking for someone to strengthen up inside to help big Dirk. It's not necessarily a bad deal for the Suns, providing Shaq stays healthy and can do it in the post-season.

I don't know long-term how Shaq and D'Antoni will play out, both are pretty fiery, but again, we'll have to see. Most people are gonna think fast ball and think this isn't good for them, but I'm gonna reserve judgement. The Suns needed to make changes to compete in the post-season.

For the Heat, this is a good trade. Shaq (who hasn't had the best relationship with Riley this year) out and Marion in. A team with the worst record in the league currently shedding some old legs and a burdening contract. Remember the Suns have Stoudamire to bail Shaq out for large periods of games.

Heat next year: Dwayne Wade, Shawn Marion and a lottery pick. A nice trade and they have the guts of a decent setup there for 2-3 years time.

Phil.

Kinetic^

Will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Kulgan

Yea will be interesting to see what Shaq shows up, the prospects of another championship might make him haul ass. I read somewhere he was on the phone to Nash telling him he won't let him down but then again Shaq does a lot of talking these days and doesn't do much to back it up.


Also as a funny aside the Heat and Hawks were due to replay the final minute of a game from Dec sometime later in the season because the scorer had incorrectly marked shaq as fouled out so will be interesting to see what happens now.