Talks between the Suns and the Cavs regarding a possible deal sending Shaquille O’Neal to Cleveland are reportedly ongoing, but nothing is imminent.
The clubs have not spoken within the past few days, but sources say talks of a possible trade involving O’Neal, Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic never completely died after it was first discussed in February.
O’Neal, 37, will make $20 million next season in the final year of his current deal, while Wallace will make $14 million in the last year of his contract and Pavlovic $4.9 million with only $1.5 million guaranteed.
The salary swap is close enough to make the trade work under the salary-cap guidelines, and the Suns would save $10 million in the transaction — $4.5 million in salary and $5.5 million in luxury-tax payments.
They could save even more money if Wallace takes a buyout, a possibility that was raised when Wallace said he was considering retirement after the Cavs’ Eastern Conference finals loss to the Orlando Magic.
If the Suns acquired him and bought out his contract for less than face value, they could lower their actual expenditures, although the full amount would still count toward their luxury-tax total.
What’s funny is that the Suns walked away from the negotiation table last season because they thought that a trio of Shaq, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire could contend under new coach Alvin Gentry. Stoudemire got hurt, so what’s changed? It appears that the Suns are unwilling to pay the luxury tax price of keeping Shaq on the roster, that’s what.
This trade has the potential to set up some serious drama next season. Imagine a (hopefully) healthy and motivated Shaq joining LeBron in Cleveland. Assuming the Lakers win the Finals, Kobe and Co. will be seeking a repeat. Imagine Shaq and Kobe squaring off for a title next season…
Whether or not this helps Cleveland depends solely on Shaq’s ability to play at a high level deep into the postseason. If they do acquire him, they will need to watch his minutes closely and give him some time off during the season. Winning 66 games isn’t as important as having a healthy Shaq ready for the playoffs.
I like this trade for Cleveland, but Shaq wants another extension and he knows he’s not going to get it in Phoenix. It’s not necessarily a good idea for the Cavs either, as any extension for O’Neal means that they won’t be able to sign a big-name free agent next summer. But if they can rent Shaq’s services for a season and see how it goes, then maybe he could play himself into an extension with an NBA championship.
Too bad the Cavs couldn’t get Shaq last season. He would have been a big help against the Magic.
I think the suns are stupid! the’ve benn foolish for so long!!!!!! At least get Andersen Varejao in the trade talk.
If they get Shaq then they better be playing LeBron at the 4, because if they play anderson varejao at power forward then the the paint will be very crowded when LeBron penetrates.
If the goal is to beat the Magic, I really think that the gap between the Magic and Cavs is even greater than the series showed (and they almost got swept!). You just got the feeling that the Magic would half-ass an entire half because they knew that they could easily reel off a 20-5 run at any time.
Shaq certainly helps them, but I don’t think that he will be enough of an addition to counter the younger Dwight Howard.
Keep in mind this is assuming that the Magic remain intact. If Hedo Turkoglu is gone, then the Magic are much more vulnerable. And Marin Gortat become much more important if Shaq is with the Cavs.
I think Shaq in Cleveland would be amazing.
Especially if the Cavs trade Z and their 09 1st round to Utah for Boozer. What a starting lineup.
C. SHAQ PF. BOOZER SF. LeBRON SG. WEST
PG. WILLIAMS.
If the goal is to beat the magic then next season will be cake. Hedo is about to opt out of his contract leaving the cavs with one less three point threat to guard and lebron to guard Lewis, and if shaq comes into the picture then the magic will be on the other end of the stick come playoffs 2010.
Just because Turkoglu is opting out, it doesn’t mean that he is leaving Orlando. In fact, he’s probably going to return. He just wants to sign a longer-term deal (and get a raise).
Shaqadocious would be a great addition to the Cavs as far as getting past a healthy Celtic and hungry Magic team. BUT!!! Clevelands problem is the small guards. Turk and Lewis played horse during the 2009 eastern conference finals.
Shaq, playing at his best will always make a good addition to any team. Despite the fact that he is 37, he may still have so basketball life in him yet. Him playing with LeBron, not necessarily win a title, but it’ll take some pressure of LBJ, and force the other players to work harder and becoming more of a threat. If LBJ can get some help, he and the Cavs will a force to reckon with in the future.
cavs and shaq together still means no championship and boozer no way to cleveland he is a utah jazz main man after deron williams but still no championship lakers are the best lakers are gonna win again