Shaq/AI

[Joe Asberry]

to quote the only Pistons real insider Peter Vecsey:

Don't be surprised if Pistons president Joe Dumars trades A.I. before the Feb. 19 deadline, the same team executive e-mailed. "But only if he can get back a similar expiring contract."


Phonix goes back to smallball with Amare beeing the focus on offense, we add Shaq who's in really good shape. Shaq makes 20 mil this and next year.

we can add Kwame if they need another big body back...

Shaq
Wallace
Prince
RIP
Stuckey

Amare
?
Jrich
AI
Nash

the other bigman with a similar contract would be JO, but JO suckz...Odom maybe another possibilty

[Timone]

I like that deal a lot, at least from an "on the court" standpoint. Assuming Shaq would actually be playing.

[WTFchris]

The only problem is that an AI for Shaq deal makes both teams adjust A LOT before the playoffs. I can't think of two more different players.

[Zekyl]

It would be interesting for sure. Shaq still comes off the books in time for that big free agent spending spree, but we'd have no way of going after anyone this offseason. How much is Shaq going to even have in the tank for next year? It gives Sheed the ability to play his lazy 3pt style that he's been leaning towards all season, gives us an inside presence on defense, and still gives us a "star player". I'd do it depending on what we thought we could get in free agency this offseason compared to having Shaq.

[WTFchris]

I think I would do it either way. Right now we really aren't set up to win it all. Assuming Shaq stays healthy we'd have a better shot.

[Zekyl]

Rip back to the starting lineup, give Afflalo the chance to prove he can be our backup SG. Who knows how that whole thing would work out if we did this trade. Its not going to happen, but I wouldn't mind if it did.

[BubblesTheLion]

Why would the Suns do this right when Shaq and finding a groove with Phoenix and making them a more legit playoff team?

[RegicideGreg]

Wouldn't that break the golden rule of NBA trades from Phoenix's standpoint, never trade big for small?

[WTFchris]

It would also make the Suns smaller than they were before the Marion/Shaq trade. Amare goes back to center and they have no PF's. They'd definitely want Amir or Max, if they were interested at all. There is no way they get by Bynum/Gasol with only Amare up front.

[Glenn]

I hate Shaq with a passion, but if he didn't have another year on his deal after this one at $20m+, I'd probably do this.

The Pistons would be a better team now if this deal happened, but I'm not sure they'd be a better team next year.