They had to trade for a big man. They didn't have the big man to compete with the lakers with Bynam and Gasol plus Utah, and the spurs... It was murders row for them.
Marion was going anyways, the Suns couldn't afford to do anything with him they tried trading him but every trade attempt was almost no value or declined when multiple teams were involved.
Getting SOMETHING for somethng that is going bye bye in 2 months isn't a terrible call. Even if they lose in the playoffs the marketing they get from Shaq and the jerseys and gear they will have sold has made this trade worth it.
Yes shaq isn't the the force he use to be. But what he can give you is 25 minutes 5-6 fouls on big guys, and he can get other teams in foul trouble fast and get your team into the bonus. I really think the Suns will improve before the playoffs come...
Keep in mind Phoenix had won very few games against playoff calibur teams. So there "they were playing so well" arguement can go out the window, they had a losing record to teams above .500
This was clearly a move to try to turn things around. It wasn't much of a risk considering Marion was already leaving... The heat still suck.
Marion was going anyways, the Suns couldn't afford to do anything with him they tried trading him but every trade attempt was almost no value or declined when multiple teams were involved.
Getting SOMETHING for somethng that is going bye bye in 2 months isn't a terrible call. Even if they lose in the playoffs the marketing they get from Shaq and the jerseys and gear they will have sold has made this trade worth it.
Yes shaq isn't the the force he use to be. But what he can give you is 25 minutes 5-6 fouls on big guys, and he can get other teams in foul trouble fast and get your team into the bonus. I really think the Suns will improve before the playoffs come...
Keep in mind Phoenix had won very few games against playoff calibur teams. So there "they were playing so well" arguement can go out the window, they had a losing record to teams above .500
This was clearly a move to try to turn things around. It wasn't much of a risk considering Marion was already leaving... The heat still suck.
