I posted in the Amare thread yesterday, but already it's like 40 pages deep :p
I would expand a Shaq - Iverson deal to include Barbosa and McDyess as well.
- Phoenix gets a very capable bigman who can defend, rebound, hit the outside jumper, and play second fiddle to Amare offensively. Phoenix also gets a combo guard who can not only replace Barbosa's production, but is more capable of playing the point for spot minutes.
AND both contracts are expiring, saving the Suns $8M ($4M plus tax) this season and $26M (plus any tax) next season.
Someone mentioned though that there's no way in hell Detroit would do it, but realistically, if you were a GM you would have to at least think about it for the following reasons:
- Detroit currently is guard-heavy and lacks a true interior scorer to pair with Wallace. Making the trade gives them balance by switching a high pofile combo guard and adequate big for an adequate combo guard and a high profile big. It should help in the playoffs, too.
- While Shaq's age is of concern, the same can be said of both Iverson and McDyess as well. All three afforementioned players have started to show signs of deteriation, however Shaq is arguably playing at the highest level of the three.
- It's generally accepted that you win whenever you can trade small-for-big - especially when the big is playing at an all star level this year.
- In 3 years time, it's conceivable that Barbosa will be the only involved player still in the league, by which time he will be in his prime.
- Shaq's contract next season will be one of, if the the single largest expiring contract around, which will be extremely sought after going into the 2010 free agent market.
And come on, how could you not love the big Diesel in he motor city?
