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It's Official: Suns Get Their Shaq

Star center passes physical, leaves struggling Miami for West power

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 6, 2008 6:15 PM CST
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(Newser) – Center Shaquille O’Neal is now a member of the Phoenix Suns after he passed a physical exam, the final barrier to the completion of his trade from the Miami Heat, the Associated Press reports. The Heat—which has the NBA's worst record at 9-37—exchanged O'Neal, 35, for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks.

"I think it gives us a better chance to win, and a better chance to win in the playoffs," said Suns general manager Steve Kerr, who acknowledged concerns about O'Neal's age and recent injury history. Phoenix, at 34-14, has the best record in the Western Conference but hasn't met expectations; the move helps the Suns keep pace with recent moves by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Phoenix Suns guard Marcus Banks poses for photos in Phoenix Oct. 1, 2007. Banks and forward Shawn Marion are being considered for Heat center Shaquille O'Neal in trade talks that went from rumor to near-reality overnight. The last major roadblock was the 14-time All-Star center passing a physical. A league...
Phoenix Suns guard Marcus Banks poses for photos in Phoenix Oct. 1, 2007. Banks and forward Shawn Marion are being considered for Heat center Shaquille O'Neal in trade talks that went from rumor to near-reality...   (Associated Press)
Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion poses for photos in Phoenix Oct. 1, 2007. Marion and guard Marcus Banks are being considered for Heat center Shaquille O'Neal in trade talks that went from rumor to near-reality overnight. The last major roadblock was the 14-time All-Star center passing a physical. A league...
Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion poses for photos in Phoenix Oct. 1, 2007. Marion and guard Marcus Banks are being considered for Heat center Shaquille O'Neal in trade talks that went from rumor to near-reality...   (Associated Press)
Miami Heat's injured center Shaquille O'Neal salutes a fan during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, in this Dec. 5, 2005 file photo. The improbable pairing of the Phoenix Suns and Shaquille O'Neal went from rumor to near-reality overnight. The last major roadblock was the 14-time...
Miami Heat's injured center Shaquille O'Neal salutes a fan during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, in this Dec. 5, 2005 file photo. The improbable pairing of the Phoenix Suns and...   (Associated Press)
Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal takes the court to face the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver in this Dec. 2, 2007 file photo. The improbable pairing of the Phoenix Suns and Shaquille O'Neal went from rumor to near-reality overnight. The last major...
Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal takes the court to face the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver in this Dec. 2, 2007 file photo. The improbable pairing of the Phoenix...   (Associated Press)
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NBA • basketball • Phoenix Suns • Miami Heat • Shaquille O'Neal • Shawn Marion • Shaq

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