RealGM

Given the hot rumor of a deal sending Shaq's huge contract for Shawn Marion's very large contract and Marcus Banks, which version of the Heat do you think makes it rougher on our Hawks?

I just can't picture Phoenix trading for Shaq. I mean come on now, the team basically has said many times they don't plan on going over the cap like that, and even if they don't they won't be able to continue to contend with the amount Shaq is injured.

I read a article today that said Miami plans on pursuing Elton Brand during the off season rather strongly. That worries me just as much as thinking about Miami acquiring Marion.

I don't see how they can pursue Elton Brand in the off-season. Even with all their expiring deals don't give them enough cap room to go after room if he opts out. If he doesn't opt out they don't have the pieces to trade for him if he's healthy. If the Phoenix deal doesn't happen, Shaq would make no sense for the Clippers roster as it is constructed.

I think the Phoenix logic is the window is closing as constructed and their clubhouse is rumored to be less than harmonious. I can see how they can imagine that Shaq could work for them.

Nash (2 years left)
Bell/Barbosa
Hill/Diaw
Amare
Shaq

When they half court they can be large. When they run Shaq can stay on 1 end like Kareem often did with the Showtime Lakers. When Shaq is on the bench they can go small with Diaw as the undersized 4 and Amare moving to the 5.


I do have a way for Miami to get Elton Brand, but it requires the Clippers to suspect they are going to lose him or want cap space for the off season. It also requires Miami to act before the trade deadline not in the summer. Miami could offer Udonis Haslem and the expiring deal of Jason Williams right now for the injured Elton Brand and continue to focus on ping pong balls. If necessary they can throw in Dorell Wright to sweeten it. Put that together with the Phoenix deal and a high draft pick and next year they look like:

Chris Quinn/Daequin Cook
D-Wade
Shawn Marion
Elton Brand
Rookie C like DeAndre Jordan
The big 3 would be 30, 29, and 26 respectively.

It rolls the dice on Elton Brand coming back healthy and Shawn Marion being happy, but it gives them a big 3 that is younger than Boston and with a C that probably has more upside than Perkins. If Wade takes point, Cook can play the 2. Quinn can play the point and Wade the 2. Or the most likely case is they make a run at a PG using the MLE like maybe Duhon. Or they have Marcus Banks they can try in the PG role.

Waiting until summer doesn't work as well for Miami because with the draft pick cap hold they have no room under the cap to make a move for a Brand or Jamison.