I can't believe people want Shaq on this team, Shaq of all people?!! The guy is an underrated cancer for each team he has played for. I thought we needed the right people to play for us.
Uhh Yao is a better player than Shaq at this point. Shaq knows this. Shaq is better than Big Z. Its that simple. Shaq knows his place in the pecking order. He knows he's not the best center in the league anymore.
I assume you think T-Mac is going to be back to 100% or near it? Not me nor any other GMs until T-Mac shows he is back and can play at full strength. That is why Phoenix wont do it. And as one mentioned above, if you think he is going to be back, why trade him for a backup when Mac could fill our void at SG and let Battier [and Artest if he resigns] move back to their natural position of F. And the Suns arent a playoff team as is, how will trading for a injured player make them better? I dont think it will.
Cancer???? He has 4 rings and has taken teams to the Finals 6 times. He makes this team better, bottom line.
Shaq has already mentioned what teams he would like to play for. He's said Dallas and he has said Cleveland. I'm done with this discussion, I thought it was pretty obvious that Shaq would not want to be an backup this upcoming season but I guess it is not obvious for everyone.
Phoenix is a playoff team with a healthy Amare and Phoenix wants to cut salary more than anything for 2010. Let's face it...the Rockets don't NEED T-Mac anymore..but they DO NEED a healthy Yao and more depth at the C spot.
That's why I said underrated but he's caused turmoil to every team he's been on, the Suns being the latest example. At this point in his career, I don't think he has what it takes anymore.
How has Shaq caused turmoil on the Suns? Please provide an example.... And you can't say the same about Artest before he came here?
Of course we dont need an injured T-Mac but if he is healthy, I'm sure we wouldnt mind him. Last word, I'll pass on Shaq and get a younger, cheaper C.
The 2000-2002 Lakers called. They want to know what team you were rooting for, because that team didn't win the 'ship. Top 5 center of all time? Yep. Rings? 4. Finals MVP? 3. How could you NOT want Shaq on this team? We've proven we don't need TMac to win games, so its a great deal for us. We would be anti-Lakers. Brooks >>> Fisher/Whoever is the PG next year for them Battier < Kobe Artest = Odom Shaq >>> Gasol Yao >>>>>>> Bynum
Like who? There aren't very many true Centers to begin with out there and most of the decent ones aren't going to come cheap. T-Mac doesn't fit with this team anymore, they are much better off keeping Artest and letting him start at SG. This team needs to be built around Yao, acquiring a center like Shaq would guarantee us a shot at beating the Lakers and probably winning a championship next year. We shouldn't be afraid to be bold, if the Suns are willing...we should do it in a heartbeat.
I could think of a handful of C's that could be had. (Some can play both C and PF.) And I'm sure we'll address it at some point this offseason. Who? I dont know. Shaq. realistically speaking, isnt in our plans.
Like who? Drop some names....I'm willing to bet that none of those guys you mention would significantly upgrade this team like Shaq would. I can't believe some people here think that Morey shouldn't even make a call to the Suns and inquire about Shaq.
I think the majority of people here like the idea from a Houston perspective. That's not the problem. Most of us would love to get a quality backup C like Shaq. The problem is the Phoenix perspective (not even considering the Shaq perspective). You are doing a fine job of selling "the immense future value of T-Mac" to yourself but you aren't likely reflecting in any way the attitudes of the actual decision-makers in Phoenix. I just don't see it happening. Phoenix already has Shaq as a huge expiring contract, so McGrady's expiring means little to them. And it's highly unlikely that they covet McGrady and see him fitting in the way you want to believe he would. If they trade Shaq this summer, they will get something better than a guy coming off microfracture surgery.
And I'm willing to bet you that Phoenix has absolutely no interest in this deal (no matter how much you try to convince yourself that they do). You'll either realize this on your own now or be forced to it in a matter of weeks when the deal never materializes, or even gets discussed for that matter beyond the confines of this thread or CF.net.
The Suns asked for Wally Szczerbiak and Sasha Pavlovic in return for Shaq at the trade deadline. Do you think those 2 combined are better than McGrady? Come on....The Suns want more cap room more than anything...McGrady will make more than Shaq next season, they can send an additional contract along with Shaq to give them even more room for 2010. And plus they can get a potential impact player if McGrady can come back healthy and be effective. It is a low risk, possible high reward deal for the Suns as well. I believe the deal serves interests for both sides.
How do you know Phoenix would have no interest in the deal? Are you the Suns GM? If Phoenix was interested in getting real talent for Shaq, they would have asked for more than Wally Z. and Sasha Pavlovic. I have argued sound fiscal and baskeball reasons why Phoenix would make the deal, but you refuse to accept them.
I think with Phoenixs' financial situation, they would absolutely do this, why not? T-mac has 21 or 23 million coming off the books after this year...Houston would never do it though..but i've seen crazier things.. Chilcutt
Steve Kerr would be more than happy to trade Shaq for TMac. I don't see us doing this trade,though. Shaq as a backup? No way. I think he averaged 18ppg 9rpg this season. How the hell should he be a backup? Plus,neither Yao nor Shaq could play PF. they're just too slow to keep up with most PFs in NBA. You guys are treating Shaq like he is Eric Dampier.
