Following Thursday's NBA Draft, Trades began to develop and one of the biggest, involved what many have gone to call the Greatest big man to ever play the game. Shaq already tasting Championship glory and sharing trophy's with some of the best guards in the league (Kobe Bryant in L.A. and Dwayne Wade in Miami), will now get his chance for a tittle with LeBron James in Cleveland.
Early last season Shaq was dealt to Phoenix, hoping to be the final piece to their Championship puzzle. Instead the Suns decided to trade away the big man before his contract with the team was up, after failing to make it to the playoffs. In return they acquire backup Center Ben Wallace and the 46th pick of the Draft. After Shaq's departure of the Suns, it looks like they're now looking a lot less threatening, with only All-Star players Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire on the team. It's likely Nash will want out of Phoenix after his final year of his contract is up, this upcoming season.
The trade will now solidify whether or not James sticks with Cleveland if the Cavs fail to bring home the trophy next season, as his contract with the team will also be up. And might determine whether or not he decides to play elsewhere (*Cough* New York). However Shaq teamed up with LeBron on paper sounds like it's going to be quite a pain in the ass for teams like Orlando and Boston to compete with. While the Western Conference looks to get weaker and weaker, and gives the Lakers a better chance to return to the NBA Finals for a 3rd consecutive year. Now we'll just have to sit back and wait for the team and fans to come up with Shaq's NEW nickname and see what corny pregame ritual's Shaq & LeBron come up with together.
Other notable trades following the 2009 NBA Draft included: Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs, and Vince Carter to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Rafer Alston among others.
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