Suns get O’Neal in blockbuster trade

Shaq joins Phoenix as a part of the three-player trade that saw Marion and Banks move to Miami

MIAMI: Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, who is one of the most prolific scorers in league history, was dealt from the last place Miami Heat to the first place Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.

The Suns get the 16-year-veteran O’Neal as part of the three-player trade that also saw all-star Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks go to Miami. O’Neal, who was named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of all-time, flew to Phoenix on Wednesday morning where he passed his physical test.

“We’re thrilled to add a player and person of Shaquille’s quality to our roster,” Suns general manager Steve Kerr said. “He can be one of our guys, but he can be one of our guys who is unlike any of our other guys.”

Marion and Banks will also have to pass physical in Miami before the deal can be made official. O’Neal attended the Suns game on Wednesday, watching them lose in double overtime to New Orleans. O’Neal is expected to hold a news conference on Thursday.

O’Neal received a long standing ovation when introduced on the big screen at the US Airways Center arena. O’Neal, who is currently sidelined with a hip injury, had his string of 14 straight all-star appearances broken this season. The 7ft 1in, 325-pound O’Neal turns 36 next month. The former Los Angeles Laker is averaging a career-low 14.2 points and has played just four games since December 27 with the Heat.

“Shaquille is a winner, he’s a champion and he was not happy in Miami playing for a team that’s rebuilding,” Kerr said.