<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ? Already with time on its hands after missing out on these NBA Finals, the Heat now has additional time when it comes to the contract status of center Shaquille O'Neal. Holding an option for $30.6 million for next season, O'Neal initially had to notify the Heat of his decision a week before the draft, which would have been this coming Tuesday. However, agent Perry Rogers and the Heat have extended that limit to June 30, which is typical of most option deadlines. O'Neal only has to inform the Heat if he plans to opt out. Either way, O'Neal is seeking a multi-year deal with the Heat, with a lengthier contract available by opting out, becoming a free agent on July 1, and then re-signing. With no other team able to offer more than about $15 million, it has been accepted as a given that O'Neal will remain with the Heat. Still, that did not stop Phil Jackson, upon this week's return as Lakers coach, from joking about the possibilities of a reunion with the center who helped him win three titles in his first go-round in Los Angeles. "We're aware of where he's at," Jackson said. "It's beyond the possibility in my mind's eye, but it's there." Heat President Pat Riley, speaking on 790 The Ticket (WAXY-AM), said his center is entrenched in South Florida. "I can't see anything else but him [in] a uniform next season, unless there's a lockout for the whole year," Riley said. "One way or the other, he is going to be in a Heat uniform. "At least we have that understanding ... and he wants to be here." Rogers declined to say whether a potential July 1 lockout would impact O'Neal's decision with the option year. Should O'Neal opt out, he would not be able to re-sign with the Heat until a new labor agreement is reached, which both the league and union say could be a lengthy process.</div> Source
I think Shaq has two, MAYBE three, more effective years in him...I dont think it would be too wise to give him a four or five year deal...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Shooter:</div><div class="quote_post">I think Shaq has two, MAYBE three, more effective years in him...I dont think it would be too wise to give him a four or five year deal...</div> My thoughts exactly. That's why when it came down to either Shaq or Kobe, I'm glad we picked Kobe. Shaq's final years will be a sharp decline in his game. He'll still be one of the better centers in a few years, but I don't see him dominating like he used to.
He's already not dominating the league anymore. The zone defense really hurt Shaq's dominance once the league allowed it back. Teams are no longer forced to double or triple team Shaq and can focus more on shutting down his supporting cast. I'm hoping the Heat max him out for another 3 years so they have no cap flexibility to build around Dwayne Wade.
