Why Not Deal Diesel?

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Heat Coach Pat Riley had to no doubt leave his poolside recliner to issue a statement on behalf of the club Wednesday amid rampant fairy-tale rumors:

The Heat are not trading Shaquille O'Neal.

To which I say: Why not?

They ought to be out there trying to see what Shaq can bring, although they really missed their window of opportunity last summer.

After winning the title, the Heat should have tried to move The Diesel --- just before the wheels fall off, the axle cracks and the U-joint dislodges. Should have dealt him last summer or at trade deadline this past season.

Heresy, I know, but his market value never would have been higher, given his career arc.

Shaq knows the business better than anyone. He ran out on the Magic and never looked back, decimating the franchise. Sickened by the Kobe lovefest in L.A., he forced his way out of Lakers Land to Miami for Lamar Odom and some other guys we can't remember.

I love Shaq. Don't get me wrong. He's the league's giant entertainment center, and when moved, still a pretty good force. I knew him when he was a svelte 300-pound rookie with the Magic, ages ago.

But things have changed dramatically.

The Heat know it. Riley was the one who recently said that if Shaq wanted to play a half a season --- if he wants to Roger Clemens his way to the end ---- he should take half his salary --- $10 mill. (What's next? Shaq asking not to travel to road games beyond the Mason-Dixon line?)

Then good old Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune, as Sam is wont to do, advanced the story by writing that the Heat know their "main issue" is the "decline" of Shaq.

If you think Shaq loves to entertain, Sam is P.T. Barnum. His weekly hot-stove trade scenarios are part of his charm.

But Sam had this dead-on right, at least throwing out the idea of the Heat dealing Shaq.

The Heat need to rebuild and they need to keep D-Wade. As much as Wade loves Shaq, he has to know that his Big Buddy doesn't think much of the regular season and only wants to turn it on near playoff time, leaving Wade to do moan most of the work.

Wade is the man the Heat need to keep happy and healthy now.

Could the Heat move Shaq? It would be a tough sell now to a tiny group of suitors, but it's not impossible.

Although he might be an unmovable object on the floor, he can be traded even at his advanced age and salary, the $20 million salary being the tricky part, naturally.

Call 1-800-ISIAH.

The Knicks might give up center Eddy Curry and forwards Channing Frye and David Lee for O'Neal.

The Denver Nuggets might deal Nene or Allen Iverson for him.

The L.A. Clippers could part with center Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette. </div>

Source: Orlando Sentinel

 

<div class="quote_poster">Playmaker15 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Hmm..Anyone think Denver would give up AI? I doubt it, especially with Shaq on the decline like he is. He definately won't be as effective against Centers in the West either.</div>

What are your opinions on the Clipper deal for Kaman and Maggette?

I know Kaman had a disappointing season, but he's actually a decent center. He really struggled with his new contract and the pressure that came with it. I think he'll rebound this year after adjusting to his newfound wealth and the expectations that came with his deal.

The Heat have been after Maggette for 2 or 3 years now. He'd be a great fit alongside DWade, and could be the steady 2nd option scoring the ball. These two both make a living at drawing contact and making their free throws. They would put tremendous pressure on a defense by attacking the rim 85% of the time.

Kaman is good enough offensively to keep his defender honest. He also draws the occassional double team, which creates the space needed for Wade and Maggette to operate in the lane.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Skiptomylue11 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Even if they stand pat, I think next year the Heat could be anywhere from 1st to 4th.

I would think they should somehow try to trade Antoine Walker, maybe JWill (depends on how he performs), don't resign Posey, and keep Eddie Jones.</div>

Antoine Walker has a toxic contract, unless the Heat are willing to take back a toxic contract in return, Walker is going to be impossible to move. He's due $8.5M next year and $9.3M the following season. The Heat were smart enough to include a TEAM OPTION for 2009/2010 season, but he's going to be there for at least another two years.