Shaq To The Suns?

According to a Miami Herald Report: The Miami Heat are in serious discussions to trade Shaquille O'Neal, and have informed him he should be prepared for that fact. According to the article, one of the destinations is rumored to be Phoenix, with Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks heading to the Heat for Shaq.

(Sigh) First reaction? NO! Not in a million years. Not ever.

After a half hour of thinking about? Still no, though not quite as emphatic. I suppose if i look at it objectively, i can see a few reasons as to why the Suns might be at least curious about the trade. Still, i don't think it's a good trade for the Suns for many reasons, not the least of which involve Shaq's age, health, contract, and ability to fit our system...

Shaq is 35, and has two more years remaining on a $20 million/year contract. While the money for the Suns would not be any different the rest of this year or next, the trade would put an extra $20 million on the books for the '09-'10 season (not that i think he would still be around then). His contract is ridiculous for a center of his age, when centers have a long history of breaking down right around 34-35. Shaq has proven to be no different, playing in only 40 games (of 82) last year, and missing 14 of the Heat's last 18 games.

In addition to his health issues, or perhaps because of his health issues, Shaq's production has seen a severe drop-off the last two season. Despite averaging 25.6 points and 11.5 rebounds a game for his career, last year it dropped to 17.3 and 7.4, and this year has been even worse, plummeting to 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds. Ok, well maybe his rebounds are up slightly, but they're still way under his career average. Oh and by the way, his hip is injured and he hasn't even been cleared to RUN, let alone play basketball.

All that aside, let's just assume for a minute that Shaq was in good health and the Suns were willing to take on his contract despite his age. There is still a major problem to be addressed as to how he would fit into the Suns' system. The Sun's have absolutely killed the Heat the last few years, mainly due to the fact thay they run Shaq out of the building and he becomes virtually useless to the Heat. He can't run up and down the court like he used, and I'm not sure he could ever run the way the Sun's run. So how does that fit with Phoenix?

The prevailing opinion, or speculation actually, is that the Suns are looking at this trade for one of two reasons: One, as a reaction to the Laker's getting Pau Gasol (which, on a side note, was an absolute STEAL. What a ridiculous trade...). The second reason would be an acknowledgement that the Suns need an inside presence in order to beat the Spurs. While this may be true, even though i'm not convinced, i'm not sure this is answer.

If this trade went through, i believe it would be for the second reason. Since becoming GM, Steve Kerr has not shown a confidence in the coach D'Antoni's run and gun system, and in fact there have been rumblings of a rift between the two. Remember also that Kerr played in San Antonio with Duncan, in a slow it down, grind it out offense. He won titles with that offense, and has to have some feeling that's the way to win a Championship. I can agree with the need for an inside presence, but to me bringing in Shaq would be for the series against the Spurs only. He would be completely worthless against the Warriors, probably worthless against the Jazz and Hornets, and not much good against the Mavs. I just don't see the value in him for one possible series.

Shaq does not fit our system, not one bit. He can't run with us, and much prefers a slow, half-court game. The Suns didn't become the Suns by playing a half-court game. They got there by running and gunning, and everybody knows it. So the question becomes, do you believe the Suns can win with their system, or don't you?

Personally, i think they can. Admittedly i've only lived in the Valley for a couple of years, but have watched the Suns closely since then because their brand of basketball has been incredible. They revolutionized the game, and the League has become one of copycats, many attempting the run and gun style Mike D'Antoni installed here. As such, i think it has actually become harder to win with the style, since more teams use it and more teams get used to it and how to defend it.

That said, if executed well, which the Suns can do, i still think it can win a championship and, quite honestly, can win one easily. The Sun's have had a great chance the last couple of years, but injuries and bad breaks have prevented it. Given a chance to make one last run, i think the Suns can pull it off with a couple of breaks.

What does that all mean? It means i'm still at the point i was when i first heard the trade rumors of Shaq for Marion and Banks: Don't do it. The Sun's have a great nucleus, and have the talent to win a Championship. And while a trade may be in the works and may even make this team better, this is not that trade.