"The Daddy" has been moved. Shaquille O'neal, long-time NBA superstar and dominant center, has been traded to the Phoenix Suns. The deal comes as a surprise, as the once great O'neal has reached the sunset of his career.
The Suns acquired O'neal in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. The Suns gain a stronger inside presence and a seasoned veteran, but not the dominant player that O'neal once was.
O'neal didn't talk to reporters when he arrived in Phoenix, but the crowd gave him the same kind of warm welcome he received when he went to Miami. He didn't make the open promise that he would win a championship (as he did when he arrived in Miami), but he did point to the ring on his finger and give a thumbs up. This made the crowd go wild.
The chances that O'neal could lead the Suns to a title are not as great as they once were. However, it is not out of the question. O'neal has brought championship caliber performance everywhere he has gone, since his days with The Orlando Magic, LA Lakers and finally, the Miami Heat. Should O'neal choose to step up his performance, a title may be in the works for his new team as well.
O'neal has recently been out with a hip injury and had an MRI on Tuesday.
"I'm well aware that I'm on the line," Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said. "That's my job. That's why I'm sitting in this seat."
Over 16 years, Shaquille O'neal has averaged 25.6 points and 11.5 rebounds. This year, has has only averaged 14.2 points and he is dealing with a highly publicized divorce off the court. He was also not selected to the All-Star team for the first time in 14 years.
"We have to move on with our team," Miami president and coach Pat Riley said. "This is not the most desirable place to be right now."
O'neal is set to earn $20 million per season for the next two years.
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