Cleveland Cavaliers are talking with Phoenix Suns about acquiring Shaquille O'Nealby Brian Windhorst/Plain Dealer Reporter Thursday February 19, 2009, 11:28 AM
TORONTO -- From the people around the league I am talking to today, the Cavs are one of the most aggressive teams at this point. They are convinced that they have an advantage as a buyer and do not want to let a chance slip past as teams everywhere are looking to sell. Several reliable sources have told me they have offered Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic (only $1 million guaranteed) for Shaquille O'Neal. The Suns may want to keep Amare Stoudemire but now have abandoned their plans to play slow down and Shaq is in the way. Also, it would save them millions next season because Wallace's contract actually decreases next season and Pavlovic is not fully guaranteed.
This would be a massive transition for the Cavs, not exactly the sort of deal that doesn't alter the chemistry. I have no idea what it would do to the lineup but I do know Shaq has four championship rings, is having an All-Star season, has an expiring contract next year, and has an excellent relationship with LeBron James.
Over the last few days I've had people throw water on a lot of potential Cavs moves. This one, though, seems to be getting traction right now.
Also, the Cavs are refreshing talks for Richard Jefferson to see if the Bucks will bite. The latest I heard was that Milwaukee is hoping for a better offer elsewhere.
Stay tuned.
TORONTO -- From the people around the league I am talking to today, the Cavs are one of the most aggressive teams at this point. They are convinced that they have an advantage as a buyer and do not want to let a chance slip past as teams everywhere are looking to sell.
Several reliable sources have told me they have offered Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic (only $1 million guaranteed) for Shaquille O'Neal. The Suns may want to keep Amare Stoudemire but now have abandoned their plans to play slow down and Shaq is in the way. Also, it would save them millions next season because Wallace's contract actually decreases next season and Pavlovic is not fully guaranteed.
This would be a massive transition for the Cavs, not exactly the sort of deal that doesn't alter the chemistry. I have no idea what it would do to the lineup but I do know Shaq has four championship rings, is having an All-Star season, has an expiring contract next year, and has an excellent relationship with LeBron James.
Over the last few days I've had people throw water on a lot of potential Cavs moves. This one, though, seems to be getting traction right now.
Also, the Cavs are refreshing talks for Richard Jefferson to see if the Bucks will bite. The latest I heard was that Milwaukee is hoping for a better offer elsewhere.
Stay tuned.
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