Miami agrees to trade Shaq to Phoenix

Shaquille O'Neal's career isn't done just yet, because if he passes a physical he will be heading to team with the best record in the Western Conference in the Phoenix Suns. The Suns will send disgruntled forward Shawn Marion with Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat in return for The Big Aristotle.

This appears to be a move for the postseason for the Suns. They obviously don't need Shaq to possibly win home-court advantage in the West. In fact, if he plays too many minutes it may deter their quest for the best record. Their run and gun style doesn't seem to fit Shaq Daddy who is aging and has had bum knees this season. I don't see him playing much more than 25-30 minutes a game when this trade becomes official. The Suns won't push him with his injuries this year and save his gas for the postseason.

In the playoffs, when the Suns play a defensive powerhouse like San Antonio, Shaq will help them out a lot. Shaq will also help them out if they come across a team like the LA Lakers with Pau Gasol now manning their inside game. (How sweet would a Kobe-Shaq, Lakers-Suns reunion be in the playoffs!) I would expect him to be motivated and healthy come playoff time. It will allow them to move Amare Stoudemire to power forward, and give the Suns two big bodies down low to bounce around Tim Duncan or a Kevin Garnett in the NBA Finals. They might actually play some defense come playoff time. Their run and gun style works well in the regular season, but they need someone like Shaq when points are at a premium come April-June.

This is also a good move for the Heat. They needed to get rid of an aging Shaq and get younger off this terrible year so far. They get a fantastic player in Shawn Marion. Hopefully he re-signs there, and they can build their team around Dwyane Wade and Marion. Not often do you see a trade that can really help both teams. The Diesel needs to be in a place he can win now cause he won't be around much longer, and gives the Suns a defensive threat in the playoffs and on the right night perhaps a big offensive threat. Marion is one of the best forwards in the NBA so the Heat got great value for The Man of Steel as well.

Pat Morgan

P.S. Shaq is also nicknamed Superman for those who are wondering if I could add another one to the post.