Diesel Heading to the Desert

It's official, Shaquille O'Neal is heading to Phoenix to join the Suns. This was a surprising move, but one that was made in response to the Lakers trading for Pau Gasol. The word was that the Dallas Mavericks were trying to put together a package to acquire the services of the aging center. However, the Suns got word of this and put together a trade package of their own. They decided to send SF Shawn Marion and PG Marcus Banks to south beach for the big fella. This is definitely a high risk, high reward move for the Suns. They already have the best record in the Western Conference, and sending off one of their core players is questionable at best. However, Suns General Manager Steve Kerr is thinking the Diesel just needs a change of scenery and a chance for another title to get Shaq's motor going strong once again. This season, Shaq is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game when he is healthy. Health seems to be the biggest question mark in this deal. If he is indeed healthy, can Mike D'Antoni get Shaq motivated? This year Shaq has been playing on arguably the NBA's worst team, so it is hard to get motivated to play and play hard when there is nothing to play for. Also, now that he is back out west, he will get another chance to stick it to the Lakers and Kobe Bryant. Playing for the Suns, there is a realistic chance the Lakers and Suns will meet in the Playoffs. Those playoffs are exactly the reason Shaq is still playing. At this point in his career, he is paying for championships and it became clear that was no longer a possibility in Miami. So, Shaq is be no means disappointed to be heading back out west.
On the other side of the equation, Shawn Marion is happy to be leaving Phoenix. After hearing his name in numerous trade rumors over the past few years he became tired of it and demanded a trade at the beginning of this season. This is a fantastic move from the Heat's point of view. Although the Heat are too far behind in the standings to make a playoff push this year, now that they no longer have Shaq's twenty million per year contract, they are poised to make moves starting this off season. Shawn Marion can opt out of his contract at seasons end if he so chooses, which would make the Heat an immediate candidate to add a big name free agent. The Heat also should have a top five pick in this year's draft where they can add a player to make an immediate impact (perhaps one of the diaper dandies such as Kansas State Forward Micheal Beasley or Memphis Point Guard Derrick Rose). Even if Shawn Marion decides he wants to stay in a Heat uniform next season, that is good news for the Heat. Marion is one of the leagues most versatile players. He can score, rebound, defend, and can play four of the five positions on the floor. Having him on the floor will turn the Heat into more of a fast pace running team, and he and Dwayne Wade will mesh well together. Dwayne Wade has been trying to do it all himself this year, and he finally has a reliable All Star caliber player to play along side him. Also, by getting Marcus Banks out of this deal , it will ease the transition from Jason Williams since his contract is expiring and is not expected to be retained. This is a win-win for the Heat, and has brought a silver lining to the cloud that has been hanging over this season.