Shaq trade to Cavs agreed to...

[ruarealhogfan]

Shaq to Clevealnd for Ben Wallace & Sasha Pavlovich.  The deal has supposedly been agreed to & is awaiting ownership approval per ESPN.  Fairly big trade & gives the Cavs an inside presence on the offensive end.  People wrote Shaq off before last season, but he was productive even though the Suns struggled through most of the season.  Thoughts?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285489

[hawgsav1]

SHaq is nearly done, but he'll do better in Cleveland than he did in Phoenix.  Trading for Shaq in Phoenix was one of the dumbest things they ever did.  Good move by both teams. 

[PoormansRobbyHampton]

Considering what the Cavs gave up, that's not bad. I hear Ben Wallace is thinking seriously about retirement and Pavlovic was made expendable with Delonte West, Mo Williams and Boobie Gibson.

Even if Shaq scores like 12 a game and posts 8 rebounds, that's a great deal. And he can try to guard Dwight Howard in the playoffs.

[ruarealhogfan]

While he is nearing the end of his career, as long as he stays in as good a shape as he did last season when he averaged 18 ppg & 8 rpg, only 3 ppg less than DW & 2 ppg & 1 rpg less than Yao in 4-5 less minutes per.  All that in a system that definitely did not fit his game.  The Cavs style will suit his game much better & open up the outside game even more, as there was nobody for defenses to guard down low against the Cavs last season.  Cavs definitely did not have to give up much to get him...

[Lando Calrissian]

The Cavs need shooting guards and small forwards (they have NONE)...not big lugs who clog up the paint for Lebron.

ESPN'S article has some interesting wording in it, though.

The Cavs felt O'Neal was the better option because he has just one year left on his contract, and will not eat up cap space that will enable them to pursue free agents such as Chris Bosh in next summer's star-studded free agent class.

LeBron is a free agent after next season, too.  Guess we know where he is signing.

They've got to get him some help.  They were so exposed against the Magic, and the Magic aren't leaving anytime soon.  Shaq isn't going to cut it.

[ruarealhogfan]

The Cavs need shooting guards and small forwards (they have NONE)...not big lugs who clog up the paint for Lebron.

ESPN'S article has some interesting wording in it, though.

The Cavs felt O'Neal was the better option because he has just one year left on his contract, and will not eat up cap space that will enable them to pursue free agents such as Chris Bosh in next summer's star-studded free agent class.

LeBron is a free agent after next season, too.  Guess we know where he is signing.

They've got to get him some help.  They were so exposed against the Magic, and the Magic aren't leaving anytime soon.  Shaq isn't going to cut it.

Yes the Cavs still need some length on the wing & they will address that (as they have money to do).   But swapping Shaq for Ben Wallace & Sasha is something you do every day of the week if it is offered to you.  The Cavs had zero low post game to speak of & adding a 7'0 beast that will get you 18 & 8 while shooting 60+% from the field is a no-brainer.  And if Hedo leaves, the Magic will not be the team to worry about next season anyway IMO...

[ErieHog]

This deal just has the feel of being a bit desperate.   Shaq's game has been in decline, and after the Suns adjusted *everyone's* game to accomodate him, he became fairly productive again-- but that level of productivity is in decline, and largely depends on him being allowed to clog the middle up-- something that will not go well with LeBron's game.

[hawgsav1]

This deal just has the feel of being a bit desperate.   Shaq's game has been in decline, and after the Suns adjusted *everyone's* game to accomodate him, he became fairly productive again-- but that level of productivity is in decline, and largely depends on him being allowed to clog the middle up-- something that will not go well with LeBron's game.

The Cavs are at least trying to create the impression that they want to surround him with quality players so he doesn't bolt in 2010.  If LeBron does bolt, the Cavs will fall back down into the mud.  LeBron is one of the few good things the Cavs have going for them.  On the surface, I can't say it was a bad idea.  They give up Wallace, who was about to retire, and Pavlovic, who isn't exactly an All-Star, in order to get a semi-productive HOF'er on the decline who still has ability.  However, it will be interesting to see whether Shaq's antics and game don't interfere with LeBron's. 

[Hogimus Prime]

its a good trade for both teams.    now if the Cavs can get a tall shooting guard, small forward and a power forward they'll win the east, but after the trade the Spurs made in getting Richard Jefferson the Spurs are IMO the team to beat.

[jackflash]

SG-SF and PF  Alot to get in one year

[dhornjr1]

With O'Neal camped out in the lane, no longer can the Cavaliers let James race up court, bull his way into the lane, run over two or three players, kick it back out or draw a foul on one of the players he just flattened.

I can't wait to see the 6-8, 270 lb. James rumble toward the basket expecting to steamroll an opposing player and go to the free throw line only to see his 7-1, 345 lb. teammate in the way.

Irresistable force, meet immovable object.

I can see it now...

Coach Brown: "Shaq, when you see the King with the ball, get outta the lane, fool!"

O'Neal: "Get outta da lane? Da King?

Don't you know who I am? I'm Shaquille O'Neal. Da Big Aristotle, Shaq Diesel, Superman, Da Big Cactus, Shaq Fu, Big Daddy, Da Big Agave, Da Big Shaqtus, Wilt Chamberneezy, Da Real Deal, Dr. Shaq, Hobo Master, Da Big Galactus, Da Big Baryshnikov, Shaqovic. I got da best dropstep in da history of da game. I call it da Black Tornado. I won fo' NBA championships! I don't get outta da way for nobody!"


Mike Brown better get some some rocks, twigs, and bottle caps and draw up some new plays...

...quickly.

[Hogimus Prime]

SG-SF and PF  Alot to get in one year

It is alot to get in one year.  That's why the Cavs won't reach the Eastern Conf. Finals next year.   The Magic and Celtics, with a healthy Garnett and Co, are too much for the Cavs to handle

[ruarealhogfan]

It's not like Shaq was any more mobile when he was with the Heat.  Any of you remembering Wade get to the rim anytime he wanted to?  This team won 66 games last year, but faltered in the Eastern Conference Finals because they had no post game.  Of course Shaq is on the down side of his career, but the Cavs just added the 3rd most productive Center in the league last season...

[Kenny Dowell Loggains]

LeBron, Shaq and Company have next year, and possibly the next to win the NBA title.  If not, Shaq is done and LeBron probably moves on.

[ruarealhogfan]

LeBron, Shaq and Company have next year, and possibly the next to win the NBA title.  If not, Shaq is done and LeBron probably moves on.

I believe Shaq is a 1 year deal.  The Cavs will have money, as Shaq's contract is up after this next season, & will need to get Bosh or someone on that level to help keep Lebron in Cleveland...

[donewithdale]

Shaq to Clevealnd for Ben Wallace & Sasha Pavlovich.  The deal has supposedly been agreed to & is awaiting ownership approval per ESPN.  Fairly big trade & gives the Cavs an inside presence on the offensive end.  People wrote Shaq off before last season, but he was productive even though the Suns struggled through most of the season.  Thoughts?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285489

I told you weeks ago the NBA would try to get this done.  They are trying their best to get a Kobe vs Lebron final asap before Kobe gets older.  Shaq gives Cleveland a defensive presence vs the Eastern Conference's best team when KG is healthy.

[Oliver]

Yes, Shaq will help the Cavs interior presence...but Dwight Howard wasn't the only problem the Cavs had this year.  They still don't have anybody that can guard Hedo Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis.  The Cavs have no forwards.

[ruarealhogfan]

Yes, Shaq will help the Cavs interior presence...but Dwight Howard wasn't the only problem the Cavs had this year.  They still don't have anybody that can guard Hedo Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis.  The Cavs have no forwards.

Cavs will address the forward position & have the money to do so.  Hedo might not be with the Magic next season as he opted out of his contract & wants to get paid...

[athunt]

SG-SF and PF  Alot to get in one year

They should have gone after Hedo. He is truly what Lebron needs. Not a true big man. Varejo is the type of big man he needs, someone to stay away from the basket and take his defender with him.  I hope Shaq's eqo takes a hit seeing as how he got traded for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.

[ruarealhogfan]

They should have gone after Hedo. He is truly what Lebron needs. Not a true big man. Varejo is the type of big man he needs, someone to stay away from the basket and take his defender with him.  I hope Shaq's eqo takes a hit seeing as how he got traded for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.

He was traded for $'s.  Phoenix is losing money & will probably buy out Wallace's contract & cut Sasha to save that money.  Heard they could save around 10 mil...

[PoormansRobbyHampton]

While he is nearing the end of his career, as long as he stays in as good a shape as he did last season when he averaged 18 ppg & 8 rpg, only 3 ppg less than DW & 2 ppg & 1 rpg less than Yao in 4-5 less minutes per.  All that in a system that definitely did not fit his game.  The Cavs style will suit his game much better & open up the outside game even more, as there was nobody for defenses to guard down low against the Cavs last season. Cavs definitely did not have to give up much to get him...

And that's what makes it a good deal. They didn't play Pavlovic hardly at all, and if you don't think Shaq is an upgrade over Ben Wallace, then you don't know as much about basketball as you think you do.

Besides, who's to say this is the last move involving Shaq? As has been said, he's an expiring contract this season. Who's to say that if the Raptors are like 15-40 at some point, they won't want to trade Bosh then? Then the Cavs have Shaq's huge deal and a first rounder or something for Bosh. Then they get their man and rent Shaq for a few months.

Even if Ben Wallace retires, you could always say "Well the Cavs could have used that cap space this year". Well on who? Who's out there? Allen Iverson? Rasheed Wallace? A huge deal coming off the books like Shaq's is very attractive, especially in this economy and especially the year before the offseason of 2010.

[athunt]

Bosh isn't going anywhere until after the 2010 season.

[Hawgrox]

I just don't think the chemistry will work...but talk about the NBA's dream come true...Kobe vs. LeBron in the Finals with Shaq vs. Kobe as the sub-plot. Get ready for some REALLY bad officiating in the playoffs next year.

[athunt]

Everybody always says how Kobe couldnt win without Shaq or a good big man. What has Shaq done without an outstanding Shooting guard on his team?

[ruarealhogfan]

Everybody always says how Kobe couldnt win without Shaq or a good big man. What has Shaq done without an outstanding Shooting guard on his team?

What has any player done without another great player on his team?

[athunt]

Who is "great" aside from Kobe on this years Lakers team?

[ErieHog]

And that's what makes it a good deal. They didn't play Pavlovic hardly at all, and if you don't think Shaq is an upgrade over Ben Wallace, then you don't know as much about basketball as you think you do.

Besides, who's to say this is the last move involving Shaq? As has been said, he's an expiring contract this season. Who's to say that if the Raptors are like 15-40 at some point, they won't want to trade Bosh then? Then the Cavs have Shaq's huge deal and a first rounder or something for Bosh. Then they get their man and rent Shaq for a few months.

Even if Ben Wallace retires, you could always say "Well the Cavs could have used that cap space this year". Well on who? Who's out there? Allen Iverson? Rasheed Wallace? A huge deal coming off the books like Shaq's is very attractive, especially in this economy and especially the year before the offseason of 2010.

It doesn't matter how little they had to give up, if he completely borks how the Cleveland system is supposed to work.

Look at it this way; they still have a huge chunk of change committed to Ilgauskus; he and Shaq will never be on the floor the same time, because neither is mobile enough to defend PFs outside of 10 feet.    They may both be fresh next year, because of the split minutes, but I just don't buy that combo as enough to handle either Howard and the Orlando front line, or Garnett and the Boston frontcourt.

[hvsupastar]

Who is "great" aside from Kobe on this years Lakers team?

The answer is clearly Adam Morrison, sporting his 5 piece Italian suit on the bench.

[athunt]

The answer is clearly Adam Morrison, sporting his 5 piece Italian suit on the bench.

By 5 peice suit you mean sport coat and jeans. With a 5 star moustache.

[hvsupastar]

With a 5 star moustache.

I thought that was the other 3 parts

[Oliver]

Magic sound like they are about to one-up the Cavs in the trade market.  Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie for Vince Carter.

[athunt]

Magic sound like they are about to one-up the Cavs in the trade market.  Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie for Vince Carter.

What does that mean for Hedo?

[Oliver]

What does that mean for Hedo?

I imagine this trade was done because the Magic already knew what Hedo wanted to do.

[athunt]

I like the trade but then again I dont.  I liked Lee alot, I though he was a good fit for Orlando and a good role player.  But Vince is still a game changer when motivated.  I wonder who is gonna step up and be the secondary ball handler if Hedo leaves?

[3kgthog]

This isn't going to help the Cavs win a title. The center position wasn't their problem.

[ErieHog]

Magic sound like they are about to one-up the Cavs in the trade market.  Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie for Vince Carter.

Not a good move.  Vince has to be The Guy to really be effective, and honestly-- his miles are showing.   This will retard the development of Dwight Howard, and will suck the productive minutes and shots away from Orlando's quality role-players like Reddick.

[Lando Calrissian]

Who is "great" aside from Kobe on this years Lakers team?

Gasol

[athunt]

Gasol

Haha...but no really? Gasol is good, not great.

[Oliver]

Not a good move.  Vince has to be The Guy to really be effective, and honestly-- his miles are showing.   This will retard the development of Dwight Howard, and will suck the productive minutes and shots away from Orlando's quality role-players like Reddick.

Well I can't speak to how it will effect Howard but Shaq also has to be The Guy and his miles have been showing. 

[ruarealhogfan]

Rumor that Phoenix might trade Amare & Barbosa to Houston for Tmac's expiring contract, Carl Landry & Aaron Brooks...

[hawgsav1]

Not a good move.  Vince has to be The Guy to really be effective, and honestly-- his miles are showing.   This will retard the development of Dwight Howard, and will suck the productive minutes and shots away from Orlando's quality role-players like Reddick.

Panic move on Orlando's part.  Stupid thing to do.