Does Shaq Have Positive Trade Value?

Mainstreet · January 19th, 2009, 09:04 AM

I just do not see the Suns making a long run in the playoffs or being a Championship contender. They shop for a backup PG and a backup big man at flea markets. I would rather they have considered a trade. Anyway, if the Suns are not going to win it, why not think about improving the team long term?

I have mixed feelings but with so many fans locked onto Amare, I wonder what the Suns could get for Shaq if they shopped him? He's proven he can be a legit center this season. Just curious if he could return some positive assets. I just don't see the Suns commitment to win it all this season.

I can understand if fans are content with how the Suns are playing not to make a move. However, I'm not feeling good about the team right now. I figure if the Suns got something positive in return, they could always return to playing a 7 seconds or less and play just about as good.

DarenG · January 19th, 2009, 09:33 AM

After what the Cards just did on Sunday, I say letting us ride it out is the best move. I wouldn't be too confident if the Suns eeked into the playoffs. However, it sounds cliche but once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen.

IMO the way Shaq is playing....this team has a chance...even if it's a small one. Unless this teams goes into a complete tail spin I see no reason to blow it up.

Besides...a bigger issue is who you trade Shaq for. Unless it's for another legit center there is no point to it. Honestly, do you really want this team to go back to Amare as our center? How about Lopez? Amare never has been and never will be a center.

Mainstreet · January 19th, 2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelDog

After what the Cards just did on Sunday, I say letting us ride it out is the best move. I wouldn't be too confident if the Suns eeked into the playoffs. However, it sounds cliche but once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen.

IMO the way Shaq is playing....this team has a chance...even if it's a small one. Unless this teams goes into a complete tail spin I see no reason to blow it up.

Besides...a bigger issue is who you trade Shaq for. Unless it's for another legit center there is no point to it. Honestly, do you really want this team to go back to Amare as our center? How about Lopez? Amare never has been and never will be a center.

I periodically want to compare Shaq delivering a Championship to Miami and think he might be able to do the same in Phoenix. However, I also see how poorly the Suns play against teams like the Raptors and Minnesota. Also they frequently do not fair well against good teams. The Suns lack something and I'm not sure if it can be corrected. Maybe it's the illusive chemistry issue or the coaching. So if the Suns are not going to win it all, Shaq would have to be considered tradeable. I would want at least to add youth, hopefully pick(s), and a serviceable veteran in return.

Maybe the Suns start by looking at contenders who are only one player away. The Suns window is closing or maybe already closed. I think the Suns could easily return to 7 seconds or less and play just as well... and still build for the future. Again, I understand if you think you have the winning hand, you hold it. I don't think the Suns have the winning hand. I hope I'm wrong.

JS22 · January 19th, 2009, 09:56 AM

I never thought I'd say this, but I'd actually prefer trading Amare over Shaq if it ever came to that. Shaq brings leadership, and he is dominating most games. He's playing like he's 32.

Amare would net you a few solid players and possibly a nice pick. Unfortunately, it looks like Amare will always be a "very good" player. But never great.

arwillan · January 19th, 2009, 09:59 AM

Amare will be very good for years to come, Shaq will be for another year or two.

that said, i doubt either is traded.

Mainstreet · January 19th, 2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WastedFate

I never thought I'd say this, but I'd actually prefer trading Amare over Shaq if it ever came to that. Shaq brings leadership, and he is dominating most games. He's playing like he's 32.

Amare would net you a few solid players and possibly a nice pick. Unfortunately, it looks like Amare will always be a "very good" player. But never great.

My thoughts flow this direction as well, however, many fans still hold onto the vision of a dominant Amare. So this is why I am looking to see if fans think Shaq has trading value.

JS22 · January 19th, 2009, 10:24 AM

I know that Shaq is probably done in a year or two. But Amare is, dare I say, overrated here. He is a VERY GOOD player, but he will never be great. He is incredibly dominate offensively when his mind is in the game. But other than that he is below average in the defense and rebounding department.

I know Shaq basically averages the same amount of rebounds per game, but Shaq is busy clogging the lane and boxing out. Amare is basically playing the Marion role now. Having the ability to grab most of the boards. But he doesn't. I don't know if he's lazy, or if he just doesn't have the rebounding skills that some 6'10 players do.

green machine · January 19th, 2009, 10:42 AM

Yes, he'd have positive trade value, because he's good. And, for that reason, the Suns should not trade him.

elindholm · January 19th, 2009, 11:12 AM

I could see O'Neal having positive trade value, but only to the right team. For example, Dallas would probably want him, and I imagine they'd be delighted to give up Josh Howard and whatever fillers were necessary. Detroit, another "window closing, one last gasp" team, could also be interested.

But I don't see the point. The Suns can't do anything this season or next anyway; they are just like nearly every other team in the league, biding their time until the summer of 2010. So they might as well enjoy the relative pleasures of 50-and-fade for as long as they can. If a young superstar in the making were to become available, of course that would be something to pursue, but I don't see O'Neal having that kind of value.

Andrew · January 19th, 2009, 12:36 PM

You want to trade the most consistent player on this roster to get better? That doesn't make any sense, I would much rather do some small trade/aquistions like Lopez for a better big man and a veteran pg to backup Nash, not some drastic and unrealistic moves.

Mainstreet · January 19th, 2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew

You want to trade the most consistent player on this roster to get better? That doesn't make any sense, I would much rather do some small trade/aquistions like Lopez for a better big man and a veteran pg to backup Nash, not some drastic and unrealistic moves.

This thread was not meant for your eyes.

If the Suns are not going anywhere in the playoffs (or maybe not even make the playoffs) they better start thinking about rebuilding for the future. I look at it because Shaq has value now but is not a building block for the future (other than maintaining salary space for 2010). If there is solid NBA talent for Shaq out there now, I'd take it. I'm not a big believer in sitting and waiting for the future. I'm not sure Phoenix will attract any big names in 2010 anyhow. Probably a lot of those players will be extended.

arwillan · January 19th, 2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew

You want to trade the most consistent player on this roster to get better? That doesn't make any sense, I would much rather do some small trade/aquistions like Lopez for a better big man and a veteran pg to backup Nash, not some drastic and unrealistic moves.

Sure, because no other team watches the suns. they have no idea that lopez sucks, and they would be very willing to give up a big man and veteran point guard for him. What a great idea!

The title of the thread isn't "Let's trade Shaq". It's asking if people think he has any value in a trade.

mojorizen7 · January 19th, 2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elindholm

I could see O'Neal having positive trade value, but only to the right team. For example, Dallas would probably want him, and I imagine they'd be delighted to give up Josh Howard and whatever fillers were necessary. Detroit, another "window closing, one last gasp" team, could also be interested.

But I don't see the point. The Suns can't do anything this season or next anyway; they are just like nearly every other team in the league, biding their time until the summer of 2010. So they might as well enjoy the relative pleasures of 50-and-fade for as long as they can. If a young superstar in the making were to become available, of course that would be something to pursue, but I don't see O'Neal having that kind of value.

Agree.
Trading Shaq now would be incredibly dumbfounding in my eyes.
I also would think that if the FO were to decide to blow this thing up that Amare would obviously demand higher returns in any trade.

Bayless2Budinger · January 19th, 2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojorizen7

Agree.
Trading Shaq now would be incredibly dumbfounding in my eyes.
I also would think that if the FO were to decide to blow this thing up that Amare would obviously demand higher returns in any trade.

Of course Amare would net us higher returns but when you factor in Shaq not being in here in 2 years while Amare might still be here, it makes sense that Shaq is the one on the block.

Would u rather have Amare and whoever the Suns get for Shaq?

or

Whatever the Suns get for Amare?

Mainstreet · January 19th, 2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojorizen7

Agree.
Trading Shaq now would be incredibly dumbfounding in my eyes.
I also would think that if the FO were to decide to blow this thing up that Amare would obviously demand higher returns in any trade.

This would be just a semi-blowup. If the team improves itself for the future, maybe the Suns keep Amare. A good young PG could really help the Suns now and into the future. It might not help the Suns win the big one but I still think the Suns could run themselves to 50 wins. Anyway, with or without Shaq, I don't like the Suns advancing more than the first round if that.

Look at it this way. The Suns move Marion + Banks for Shaq, then move Shaq for a trade that benefits the Suns long term.