It’s done. It is no longer rumor. Shaquille O’Neal has been traded:

“It’s a deal that elicits a range of emotions from incredulity to head-scratching acceptance. Shaquille O’Neal has been freed from the disaster that is the 2007-08 Miami Heat to join the Phoenix Suns, potentially as the piece that ultimately puts them over the top.”

link: Championship or bust: Kerr pins hopes on aging, ailing Shaq

One reader asked if I could come up with any actual benefits to this trade for the Phoenix Suns. Well, here are three:

• This might not completely destroy the Phoenix Suns’ running game. Shaq may be able to start the fast break with the outlet pass. He is an excellent passer. Yes, he must rebound.
• Shaq may not be the defensive presence that he once was. However, he has size and he knows that the Phoenix Suns need to stop the Tim Duncans and Yao Mings from exploiting their defensive vulnerabilities. Shaq brings Phoenix size and strength.
• Shaq has had a awful year. He knows that the media have written his professional obituary. Some writers think that he is finished. Nevertheless, Shaquille O’Neal is a proud man. Without a doubt, he wants to end his career on his own terms. He would relish proving the nay-sayers wrong. The best way for Shaq to quiet the critics would be help the Suns to a championship.

The Phoenix Suns surround Shaquille O’Neal with more talent than was available with the Miami Heat. Steve Nash has a huge passing target. If Steve Nash can revive Shaq’s basketball season, the point-guard-who-can’t-dunk has my vote for MVP (again).

Catherine Forsythe

[tag]nba, trade, shaquille o’neal, phoenix suns, miami heat, steve nash, basketball[/tag]