On the eve of the NBA Draft, what's likely to be the biggest trade of the season has nothing to do with any of the players that will be shaking David Stern's hand on Thursday night. Shaquille O'Neal is headed to Cleveland to play alongside LeBron James, and Matt Moore joined me to break down the implications.Are the Cavs now officially contenders? Did the Suns get anything more than cash savings in return? And most importantly, will all of our heads explode if Shaq, Lebron, and the Cavs face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in the Finals next year?
Important stuff to be sure, and we discuss it all, after the jump.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-25-2009 @ 5:21AM
Keon said...
This move makes the cavs the favorite in the east. With Shaq in the front court along with Big Z and Big V, Cleveland will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, granted that shaq can stay healty and is used sparringly.
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6-25-2009 @ 1:39PM
Nichelle G said...
Great day. Cavs how about we add R. Wallace to secure a 2010 championship. Thank you for uniting my favorite players (shaq & Lebron).
6-25-2009 @ 9:49AM
ralphrivera said...
Great move for the Cavs and should get them into the finals - if and only if - Shaq can hold up physically over full season and through playoffs, and if Shaq also plays defense which is what killed Cavs versus Magic. He is not known for effectively defending pick and roll, and he wont be closing out the 3pt shooters but if he can man up against Howard inside so that the other players can stay focused on defending the wings then it may be enough to get them over the top.
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6-25-2009 @ 10:19AM
Tim Lara said...
A cavs lakers finals would be great, thats what should have happened this past year but with shaq it will be more than attainable
www.yovia.com/blogs/timlara
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6-25-2009 @ 11:20AM
Michael gifford said...
ah yes, now Lebron can be Shaq's "little brother" and we'll hear Shaq blab on about how he comes to play with a team player like Lebron and how he comes to bring a ring blah blah blah, and then Lebron will get the "I'll mentor my little brother, I did with Dwade and Kobe" and we'll hear lots of how Lebron is the greatest in the world from Shaq....all so he can ride the talented coattails of lebron into the finals...we'll also hear him find a new "The Big...." while he woos the Cleveland fans and press...maybe it will be the "Big Empty Building" which is fitting for much of Cleveland, or even "The Big Unemployed" which is what he'll be if they don't win it all...in any event, it will change the landscape of the East and may well affect what people decide to gear up for in the West....
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6-25-2009 @ 11:42AM
dewit202 said...
hate and fear in LA. A knock is a boost.
6-25-2009 @ 12:34PM
Trevor Smith said...
Micheal,
Get with the program.
You sound bitter.
6-25-2009 @ 11:57AM
nabpdcop said...
JESUS trying to get another ring at all cost....lololololol. This guy is like a hit man for the NBA. Go where he might get a ring. It's an EGO thing. LAASS will find out soon that thid old man is on the downward part of his life. A 37 year old......right, he's done.
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6-25-2009 @ 12:45PM
tyeagles said...
Shaq needs to come to San Antonio and finish his career here. This is where he started his career in high school and won a state title. this is where he should should retire.
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6-25-2009 @ 8:25PM
jmgair said...
If the Cav's can make it to the finals next year, even with Shaq on the court they will lose to the LAKERS in 5 games max.
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6-25-2009 @ 2:58PM
jonproch said...
Look out Howard.....you won't be muscling in on ShaQ.....Garnett.....you will be in trouble too....I feel it is a good pick up to get us into the finals and win the ring...GO CAVS!!!!
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6-25-2009 @ 4:46PM
jzz3skys said...
So then it's a done deal. When the Cavaliers present LeBron James with a big contract extension on July 18th, he's gonna sign it, even though he doesn't have to until June of 2010, and even then, he can opt for just one additional year if he so chooses?
He seems too business savvy to limit his options that way. Granted, if he doesn't sign, it won't exactly be a vote of confidence for his new 37-year-old teammate, but why wouldn't he wait until after next year's playoffs before he gets rope into another multi-year contract? For someone like him it's about winning, he's already got money.
http://scoutingthesports.com/?tag=lebron-james-contract-extension
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6-25-2009 @ 6:07PM
Lakergregg said...
Oh silly Cavs fans has your town won so little that you actually believe your new "The Big mistake on the Lake" is really gonna be the difference maker?
Seriously Cleveland do the math...Brian Hill and Penny Hardaway, Phil and Kobe, Pat Riley and D-Wade all former coaches and teamates Snaq has talked shit about and Steve Kerr and Steve Nash are next on the list.
Just wait'll he calls Mike Brown the best coach he's ever played for.
Final prediction...The Queen is a Knick next season, Mike Brown is looking for another job, and Snaq heads off to his next team to destroy.
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6-25-2009 @ 7:18PM
lopjackie21 said...
I agree with you totally!
The Cavs will be fun to watch....LOL!
Go Lakers!