<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes, Shaquille O'Neal is the 800-pound elephant in the room. No one really wants to talk about it, but the Heat's main issue is the decline of O'Neal with three years left on his contract at $20 million per season. Heat coach Pat Riley in his post-series comments said he was to blame for what he called the "pervasive" attitude of the veterans that the team could turn it on at any time. Hmm, wonder whom he meant. Riley said it would have been "a mockery" if the Heat had defeated the Bulls. "It would have sent the wrong message. We didn't do anything the right way this year," Riley said. Then he added: <font size=""5"">"If he wants to give back $10 million and play half the season, fine."</font> Wonder again whom he meant. Miami insiders said not only was O'Neal indifferent to the regular season, as usual, and this time had knee surgery, but he'd even go so far as to tell teammates not to bother with defense, apparently to not make his own indifference look bad. The Heat's options seem limited with a huge payroll, and O'Neal remains a popular figure fans pay to see. But they don't pay to see Miami lose like it did.</div> Source: Chicago Sports
Shaq's washed up, but I wouldn't mind bringing him here and Cuban might be the only one who doesn't mind feeding this elephant. Shaq and Jason Kidd are the two hottest rumors in town last few days.
Nothing motivates Shaq more than having to prove himself. Maybe this would inspire Shaq to get back in shape and bring a title back to his home state of Texas. Cuban is one of the few owners who wouldn't be worried about Shaq's contract, and I think he's one of the few who'd put up with Shaq's complacency in the regular season. One potential issue could be the chemistry between Avery Johnson and Shaq. I'm not sure if Avery has the "credentials" for Shaq to listen to him and respect him enough to buy into Avery's disciplinary style of coaching. Shaq has ran off a lot of coaches during his career, and only listens to coaches who have won it all. Avery has a ring as a player, but not as a headcoach, so there could be some conflict with those two. The obvious question, who would Dallas have to give up in the deal? Dirk + filler straight up for Shaq? Dampier, Harris, and re-signed Stackhous as the article suggested? If Shaq is available, I think the Mavericks should definitely pursue him. They are in a position to win right now, and Shaq gives them the opportunity to win a ring.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Nothing motivates Shaq more than having to prove himself. Maybe this would inspire Shaq to get back in shape and bring a title back to his home state of Texas. Cuban is one of the few owners who wouldn't be worried about Shaq's contract, and I think he's one of the few who'd put up with Shaq's complacency in the regular season. One potential issue could be the chemistry between Avery Johnson and Shaq. I'm not sure if Avery has the "credentials" for Shaq to listen to him and respect him enough to buy into Avery's disciplinary style of coaching. Shaq has ran off a lot of coaches during his career, and only listens to coaches who have won it all. Avery has a ring as a player, but not as a headcoach, so there could be some conflict with those two. The obvious question, who would Dallas have to give up in the deal? Dirk + filler straight up for Shaq? Dampier, Harris, and re-signed Stackhous as the article suggested? If Shaq is available, I think the Mavericks should definitely pursue him. They are in a position to win right now, and Shaq gives them the opportunity to win a ring.</div> Dirk for 35 year old Shaq? Seems like a horrible idea.
<div class="quote_poster">huevonkiller Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Dirk for 35 year old Shaq? Seems like a horrible idea.</div> Just throwing it out there. I'm not sure what the confidence level is within the organization in regards to Nowitzki. He had MVP caliber regular season, but a subpar playoffs. Getting eliminated in the 1st round has to sting, and Dirk seems to be the convenient scapegoat for everyone. If Shaq gives you the one year commitment he gave Miami in his first year, I think you have to strongly consider it.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Just throwing it out there. I'm not sure what the confidence level is within the organization in regards to Nowitzki. He had MVP caliber regular season, but a subpar playoffs. Getting eliminated in the 1st round has to sting, and Dirk seems to be the convenient scapegoat for everyone. If Shaq gives you the one year commitment he gave Miami in his first year, I think you have to strongly consider it.</div> Even if he gets himself mentally ready, he'll be 36 by the time the playoffs roll around next year. I'd consider the Dampier/Harris/Filler situation though.
As much as I hate Dirk, I wouldn't trade him for Shaq at this point in his career. Lakers rejected the Shaq for Dirk trade a while back, but the Mavs could get more for Dirk in return right now. If Miami is willing to take the 40+ mill from Dampier's contract, Terry/Stackhouse(sign+trade)/Dampier for Shaq would be ideal for both teams. I'd rather have Harris than Terry for the Mavs future.
<div class="quote_poster">dallasdude Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">As much as I hate Dirk, I wouldn't trade him for Shaq at this point in his career. Lakers rejected the Shaq for Dirk trade a while back, but the Mavs could get more for Dirk in return right now. If Miami is willing to take the 40+ mill from Dampier's contract, Terry/Stackhouse(sign+trade)/Dampier for Shaq would be ideal for both teams. I'd rather have Harris than Terry for the Mavs future.</div> If the Mavericks traded for Shaq, why would the future be a concern? Trading for Shaq is committing to winning now. It's an interesting rumor, obviously if the Mavs can add Shaq without giving up Dirk that be an amazing trio Dirk, Howard, & Shaq.
Shaq to the Mavs would be interesting, but I wouldn't give up too much for a washed up 35 year old. You also have to take into consideration that Shaq will have to take his annual one-month off injury, so you guys better have a reliable backup center in place, much like Alonzo for the Heat
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">If the Mavericks traded for Shaq, why would the future be a concern? Trading for Shaq is committing to winning now. It's an interesting rumor, obviously if the Mavs can add Shaq without giving up Dirk that be an amazing trio Dirk, Howard, & Shaq.</div> It'd be even better if the Mavs can get both Jason Kidd and Shaq this summer without giving up Dirk or Howard. Kidd/??/Howard/Dirk/Shaq = Championship!
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe this would inspire Shaq to get back in shape and bring a title back to his home state of Texas. </div> he was born in newark, new jersey. altho he did play high school ball in san antonio. (just trying to clear that up, sorry). i personally dont see shaq leaving miami. he loves to play with wade and loves the city itself. hes hopefully gonna come back strong next season and have some intensity, which i VERY rarely saw this past season.
The thing is, he doesn't determine who stays and goes. I think Miami traded for him knowing full well this would happen eventually. Shaq's taking up a huge part of their payroll and, if this article is correct, he's largely responsible for the terrible attitude that a lot of the players showed this season. I can see them trying to pawn him off before he becomes a total liability and also to try and retool a little bit (albeit to the Western Conference, because they won't want to face him once he feels spurned).
I don't think that this trade will happen. Shaq is like 30+ age. While Dirk is still young to play Basketball. The trade will be very interesting if it does happen personally i think Shaq should stay in Miami.
shaq hates bibby, he has never been friends with him and always put him down and argued with him through press conferences and shitz, if heat get bibby shaq wont like it.
<div class="quote_poster">kartmandogg Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">The rumor has been shot down like deer in the woods.</div> you finally say something true! source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2865603
<div class="quote_poster">dallasdude Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">As much as I hate Dirk, I wouldn't trade him for Shaq at this point in his career. Lakers rejected the Shaq for Dirk trade a while back, but the Mavs could get more for Dirk in return right now. If Miami is willing to take the 40+ mill from Dampier's contract, Terry/Stackhouse(sign+trade)/Dampier for Shaq would be ideal for both teams. I'd rather have Harris than Terry for the Mavs future.</div> Most definitely, I'd rather have Harris than Terry for the years to come...
It'd be a bad move. Dirk is in his prime and Shaq is a 35 year old washed up player who has Ben and Jerry's running through his veins. Yeah Shaq get's competative when he has to prove himself, but he can't do that effectively anymore.
