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There was a small artivle on ESPN's Rumor Central about the possiblilty of Shaq retiring after this season, giving up the final 2 years of his contract. They said this would wipe Shaq's salary off Miami's books for the next 2 years allowing them to go after free agents this summer (they mentioned Luol Deng or Elton Brand). It also said that it would give them enough room to adress 1 or 2 more needs and sign their lottery pick.

Is this right? And, what are the restrictions on Shaq if he retires in terms of signing with other teams, or even Miami.

If this happens, it would put the Heat in a great situation. They could sign prime free agent to team up with Wade and they would have a high draft pick, possibly top 3, the way they are playing...

I just don't see any way Miami could trade him. Who would take on that contract at his age and decline?

Should he retire? Absolutely. Will he? Doubtful.

Someone on ESPN last night said that Shaq has been the most important player in the NBA since Michael Jordan, which I entirely agree with. Shaq goes, championships follow. But no one can deny that he's slowing down, and he truly is crippling the Heat with his $20 million/yr contract. With that money, the Heat could rebuild around D-Wade.

But I think all this retirement talk is bugging Shaq, which will only drive him to prove to the world that he's not done yet.

Shaq should retire and for one reason only... So he can finally come over and own the Magic.

Can he afford to retire?

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... 048/SPORTS

His monthly housing payments (mortgage, property tax, insurance) are listed at 262k.

His non-basketball income is listed at 154k.

mhectorgato wrote:Can he afford to retire?

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... 048/SPORTS

His monthly housing payments (mortgage, property tax, insurance) are listed at 262k.

His non-basketball income is listed at 154k.

Have you seen his house on Lake Butler? That thing is massive. Even before the expansion, it was huge. His guest house is bigger than my entire house.

Unless something has changed recently, retiring won't help the Heat at all...besides maybe saving the Heat owner a few bucks by negotiating the buyout of the contract.

Gerhalt11 wrote:Have you seen his house on Lake Butler? That thing is massive. Even before the expansion, it was huge. His guest house is bigger than my entire house.

This is the breakout in the "end notes"
Garth - 3,700
Star Island - 65,652
Star Island loc - 27,337
Griffin - 59,417

Here's the document:
http://extratv.warnerbros.com/images/ne ... qoneal.pdf

I think Shaq should retire while he's still an effective player. He's still good, but not the guy we all remember from 92-02. He's got 4 rings, and he's not likely to win another, especially with this hack Miami team. I think it would be best if the Big Fella retired, became a member of the Magic, maybe as VP or something, and run for Sheriff of Orange County. Or if all those things fail, there could always be a Steel 2. J/K.

1 thing, i want to apologize to the mods for having to lock my thread, i was talking about the TV/Cable not PC.

i dont see shaq retiring like this, being injured..but if shaq is hurt enough not to have a healthy season next year, then he might retire........it was also reported that mourning was retiring, but they had to take the story down cause it wasnt true as of right now..

Can he afford to retire?

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...048/SPORTS

His monthly housing payments (mortgage, property tax, insurance) are listed at 262k.

His non-basketball income is listed at 154k.

I am sure a guy with that much money has investments all over the place. I am sure he has had attorneys and financial advisors putting money in many places, so I'm sure he can live off the interest the rest of his life alone.

tlloyd34 wrote:

Can he afford to retire?

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...048/SPORTS

His monthly housing payments (mortgage, property tax, insurance) are listed at 262k.

His non-basketball income is listed at 154k.

I am sure a guy with that much money has investments all over the place. I am sure he has had attorneys and financial advisors putting money in many places, so I'm sure he can live off the interest the rest of his life alone.

Not that I disagree: the papers show "$36,750" monthly interest and dividend income (from 441,000 from last year's return). There's also 26,339 from "Monthly distribution from Touch, LLC." - whatever that might be.

I don't think he's done playing at all.

If healthy, and that's a big if, will likely be his determining factor.

If the Heat keep him, they probably get one of the 1st 3 picks which should add some depth ( like Beasley).

Yes, he should retire at the end of the season.

The only way the money would come off the cap would be if a league appointed physician declared Shaq wasn't fit to play anymore.

Otherwise, retired or not the money stays on the cap.

This must be what Riley was refering to when he said he could get under the cap.

Shaq won't retire, and he shouldn't. Miami were the ones who wanted to take the short sighted gamble in paying that much for the guy (that LA wouldn't pay), and they got the benefits, but now they've gotta suffer the consequences. Shaq brought them a ring and i don't think he'd feel like he owes them any curteousy of dropping 20mil for them.

besides. he's saving up to come buy the Magics back. awesome!

I didn't take the poll - he is getting $20m this year adn $20m next year - he is not going to retire