It's Official! Shaq is a Phoenix Sun!

Norm2953 · Post #21 » by **Norm2953** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 6:09 am

It will be interesting to see how Phoenix, LA and Portland
matchup in the next couple of years. I like our chances
in 2011 but I have to see how today's Shaq fits with Amare
for spacing is going to be an issue.

I really like the trade for Miami for they can rebuild quickly
with Wade, Marion and perhaps Michael Beasley forming a
decent core of players.

Pinot love · Post #22 » by **Pinot love** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 6:13 am

"No longer confident they can win a championship with their current roster, the Phoenix Suns have agreed to a blockbuster trade that will bring them Shaquille O'Neal, pending results of a physical, a source with knowledge of the negotiations said Tuesday.

O'Neal will travel to Phoenix aboard a private plane, the source said, to undergo an MRI on his ailing left hip Wednesday. If he passes the physical, the Suns will complete the trade by sending Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat.

The Miami Herald first reported the Suns and Heat were in serious discussions regarding the trade."

-yahoo

AND Banks?!? Raped...

Fitz303 · Post #23 » by **Fitz303** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 6:14 am

I actually think its a great deal for both sides.. Miami sort of rebuilds/reloads and Wade/Marion combo should be fun to watch. PHX not only takes care of chemistry issue but now Amare moves to his natural position and they have a big guy who WILL bang down low in the playoffs which is when he will come in real handy.. Man I hope this makes Dallas desperate!!

Post #24 » by **Spykes** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 6:29 am

Ya know, the more I think about this, the more I like it for the Suns. Getting Shaq gives them some flexibility to slow down the pace and compete better in a half-court situation, which will undoubtedly happen in the playoffs.

And again, for the Heat, I'm just stunned they could get this much value for Shaq. Best case scenario for them is Marion opting out, giving the Heat some serious cap space to spend this summer. They'd have a really high draft pick and only about 36 million in guaranteed contracts. The fact that they were able to get anything close to a expiring contract (let alone a player as good as Marion), in return for Shaq, is quite amazing.

The funny thing about this is that the West just continues to get stronger and stronger. The East is just a complete joke right now.

Yadadimean · Post #25 » by **Yadadimean** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 7:32 am

Spykes wrote:Ya know, the more I think about this, the more I like it for the Suns. Getting Shaq gives them some flexibility to slow down the pace and compete better in a half-court situation, which will undoubtedly happen in the playoffs.

And again, for the Heat, I'm just stunned they could get this much value for Shaq. Best case scenario for them is Marion opting out, giving the Heat some serious cap space to spend this summer. They'd have a really high draft pick and only about 36 million in guaranteed contracts. The fact that they were able to get anything close to a expiring contract (let alone a player as good as Marion), in return for Shaq, is quite amazing.

The funny thing about this is that the West just continues to get stronger and stronger. The East is just a complete joke right now.

I really don't even think this makes PHX stronger (in fact its the opposite) and it definitely doesnt make the west stronger

mudyez · Post #26 » by **mudyez** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 7:37 am

I'd really like to see this trade going down:

wade gets his pinky for brain (or was it batman+raobin?) and in combination with haslem its the perfect supporting duo for him...add a high draftpick and they may content soon again

as for phoenix: wow...I have to see mr. "cant stop a pick and roll" + mr. "whats helpside again?" play next to each other (without a real backup! they would average 11 fouls a night while oponents score 140 on them frequently (not saying the suns cant win nontheless)!

OT: Plz take a look at the link in my sig...there are only 2 slots open in the 08-fanatsy-draft (starting after the Allstargame) and it would be a pity if you would miss it!

SoHo · Post #27 » by **SoHo** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 8:36 am

It sure seems like Phoenix could have gotten more for Marion, or at least someone that fit better in their system. It certainly makes sense because Marion wants out of Phoenix (and has for a while), and with his ability to opt out this season he is a risky target for any team willing to trade for him.

Talent wise I agree with Spykes that it was likely a decision based on a need to be able to play slower games in the playoffs, but is Shaq really the answer for that? If Shaq can play at a high level I like his ability to rebound and be a big presence in the paint, but what I saw from him in Miami this year was junk. We'll see if he turns it around, but for now it certainly looks like a questionable investment.

As for Miami, I think analyzing it from there perspective explains the deal well. Not many teams in the league would be willing to take a one year rental on Marion, but for Miami it's big win or little win depending on whether he opts out. If he doesn't you just traded Shaq who was playing terrible and killing your cap for Marion who is playing much better and has a chance to flourish alongside Wade. If Marion does opt out, then you have some real cap space and can add a FA to Wade and your high lotto pick. Furthermore Banks who was a waste in Phoenix on a bad contract is useful in Miami and not really overpaid if he can play well.

In short, the longer I think about this the more it makes sense, but it's a pretty risky move on Phoenix's behalf. I also find it hard to believe that nobody in the league offered something for Marion that was better than this.

Post #28 » by **BlackMamba** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 2:47 pm

for real? why? i think the suns are perfect the way they are.

shaq is almost over, i don't see how he will make the suns better.

Jumpstop · Post #29 » by **Jumpstop** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 3:58 pm

I actually think it's a decent move by the Suns. With the dominant post games that many of the Western conference power teams have, Phx was looking at an early exit from the playoffs again. Shaq gives them a decent post defense in the playoffs where the Suns often get the tempo slowed down on them by teams like the Spurs.

And how many calls do you think Portland has recieved asking about Joel's availability

Post #30 » by **Billy** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 4:02 pm

I think the best part of this is the fact that it makes the Suns/Lakers rivalry all the more intense. "Washed up" or not, Shaq certainly can get himself up for games and still demands a hell of a lot of attention. The burgeoning rivalry between LA and Phoenix is going to get even better.

Khazim · Post #31 » by **Khazim** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 4:13 pm

I definitely think Shaq will add another much needed dimension to PHX's game, but I'm not so sure if it's worth the cost of their only player who actually plays defense, and is also their most versatile offensive player. If Marion really wanted out badly, I guess I can see it, but I would imagine they could've gotten better for him.

Post #32 » by **Spykes** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 4:24 pm

Yadadimean wrote:I really don't even think this makes PHX stronger (in fact its the opposite) and it definitely doesnt make the west stronger

I really don't think it'll hurt them that much. If they wanted too, they just sit Shaq all season long to let him rest. Then just play him for the final month and into the playoffs.

TBpup · Post #33 » by **TBpup** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 4:33 pm

ESPN says deal is done. What is with the out-of-balance trades?

Pau for Kwame and picks? Marion/Banks for a broken down Shaq to a team that was trying to be fiscally conservative?

What is going on here?

:starwars

Post #34 » by **Billy** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 4:33 pm

Spykes wrote:-= original quote snipped =-

I really don't think it'll hurt them that much. If they wanted too, they just sit Shaq all season long to let him rest. Then just play him for the final month and into the playoffs.

I agree, I'd be shocked if PHX played Shaq more than 30 minutes a game. I really don't see PHX considering playing Shaq extensively in the regular season except for games that will have an impact on playoff seeding.

Post #35 » by **Billy** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 4:42 pm

TBpup wrote:ESPN says deal is done. What is with the out-of-balance trades?

Pau for Kwame and picks? Marion/Banks for a broken down Shaq to a team that was trying to be fiscally conservative?

What is going on here?

I certainly wouldn't be disappointed if Portland could wrangle up one of those lopsided deals in their favor

.

Paging the Memphis Grizzlies, please pick up the Red and Black courtesy phone at the nearest concourse for your message from Kevin Pritchard.

Post #36 » by **Spykes** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 4:48 pm

TBpup wrote:ESPN says deal is done. What is with the out-of-balance trades?

Pau for Kwame and picks? Marion/Banks for a broken down Shaq to a team that was trying to be fiscally conservative?

What is going on here?

What I think it happening is teams are panicking. The Grizz were the first to start panicking when they realized they waited too long to trade Gasol. After that, they just took the first deal that would save them some money.

Then the story I heard via ESPN on the Shaq deal is that the Suns weren't the first team interested in Shaq. The Mavs were actually talking with the Heat and the Suns got wind of it. The Suns apparently started to panic because, first the Lakers get a strong/physical frontline with Odom, Gasol and Bynum, but now the Mavs would have a strong/physical frontline with Howard, Dirk and Shaq. So instead of letting that happen, they got in on the discussions and had an unhappy star of their own to move in Marion.

That first move of Gasol to the Lakers really seems to have set off a domino effect of teams scrambling to improve.

swede · Post #37 » by **swede** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 5:31 pm

jebuz. NBA Live 08!

Post #38 » by **Spykes** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 8:24 pm

swede wrote:jebuz. NBA Live 08!

Speaking of which, I'm gonna have to adjust the rosters on 2K8 now.

Klinky · Post #39 » by **Klinky** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 8:53 pm

WTF? Shaq looks tired and dull out on the court, plus he's been injured. I didn't know he still had that much value. Hopefully a change of scenery will excite him into action.

Post #40 » by **Mr Odd** » Wed Feb 6, 2008 10:30 pm

Shaq told Nash he wouldnt let him down
and I believe it. Like I said before I always
thought Shaq was laying low 'til he thought it
was time to turn it on. Im not saying he was
blowing games or he can be like his old self,
im just saying I think he has one more run left.