In Wednesday's NBA Draft debate chat, ESPN's Bill Simmons is hearing Dallas for Shaq as well. He writes: "I have a tiny nugget for you -- I have an impeccable source that swears Shaq's No. 1 choice this summer, hands down, is the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately for Shaq, Mark Cuban never overpays washed-up or never-was centers ... oh, wait, he does that every summer. It's destiny!" --- Shaquille O'Neal was brought into Cleveland this season, in part, to take on Dwight Howard in the playoffs. But the Cavs couldn't make it past the Celtics, and Shaq never got to use his size against Howard on the block in the Conference Finals. Shaq will be a free agent come July 1. And according to Bob Finann of the News-Herald he may have some trouble finding a new home: "The Nets, I'm told, have zero interest in signing center O'Neal. His agent has his work cut out for him finding a suitor. According to the New York Daily News, O'Neal is telling people Dallas is interested in signing him. Said one source: 'Shaq will be this summer's Allen Iverson.'" Dallas does make some sense, as the team reportedly soured on center and free-agent-to-be Brendan Haywood after trading for him at the deadline. Center Erick Dampier is also trade bait this summer, so there could be two centers out in Dallas. With so many teams having money to spend this summer, Shaq has a better shot at hooking on somewhere than he would in other summers. But at 38 years of age, he'll most certainly be playing for less than the $20 million he received for the 2009-2010 season. Source: ESPN
Shaquille O'Neal made $20 million this past season with the Cavs. But at 38 years of age and entering what will likely be the last contract of his career, Shaq will be making less money come next season, no matter what team he plays for. But just how much less? From Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times: "Some NBA officials contend the 38-year-old O'Neal, who wants to play two more years, will get around $8 million annually on his next contract."
Dallas is certainly in need for a legitimate center and I don't think this fat ass can do any more than Dampier at his age.
