Shaq to Suns?

According to a Miami Herald report recently posted on its Web site, the Heat are in serious negotiations with the Suns to deal Shaquille O'Neal for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. If someone can tell me how Shaq fits in with the run-and-gun Suns then I'll believe this would make any sense at all.

The Mavs, as usual, are also mentioned in the article as a possible suitor. However, apparently the Heat have informed O'Neal's camp to expect a trade to X or Y team, but that the Mavs were not a team named specifically to O'Neal's representatives, according to the report.

The oft-injured O'Neal, 35, often appears as if his storied career is on its last legs. He has one of the worst contracts in the league. He still has two seasons left at $20 million per, so it's a huge gamble for any team. The Mavs don't have the expiring contracts the Heat crave. The only wild card is the often-mentioned Keith Van Horn situation. The Mavs still own his rights so they could sign him, package him with someone else and then trade him.

To do that the Mavs would have to clear a roster spot, which wouldn't be terribly difficult. But, this scenario is a long, long, long shot.

Shaq doesn't seem a keen move for any team other than one that needs to sell tickets, and the Mavs certainly don't have a problem there.

But, again, until I hear back from Mark Cuban or Donnie Nelson, both of whom were contacted just moments ago, anything is possible.

-- Jeff Caplan

Comments

[InsideHoops]

I see the current Shaq helping the Mavs a little, but not a lot. And I don't really see him helping the Suns much at all. And certainly neither team needs to spend the money for him next season or the one after that.

[kane]

unbelievably bad move for the suns. shaq can't play, can't run, can't defend and can't move. this is a great move for the mavs, because it means you can scratch phoenix off the list of west contenders. hope the suns enjoy paying shaq $20 mil to sit on the bench and watch.