Shaq-ing Trades

Two big trades in the past week have shook the NBA.

The first had Memphis' Pau Gasol sent over to the LA Lakers for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, and two first-round draft picks. Gasol being moved wasn't as much as a shock as the (cheap) price the Lakers paid for him.

The second had Miami sending Shaquille O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Marion leaving the Suns was totally expected; he'd been upset with his role in Phoenix for what seems to be forever. The shocker was who the Suns got in return for their do-all forward: Shaq.

The two trades are a study in contrasts. The Lakers have been praised for what many call a major coup; obtaining an All-Star quality forward who appears to be a great fit for Phil Jackson's triangle offense without giving up anyone in the Lakers' core. The transaction gives LA arguably the best starting five in the league: Andrew Bynum, Gasol, Lamar Odom, Kobe Bryant, and Derek Fisher. The talent doesn't end there. Backing them up are players who would probably start for other teams: Ronny Turiaf, Trevor Ariza, Luke Walton, Jordan Farmar, Vladimir Radmanovic, and Sasah Vujacic.

(An aside. With two great franchises––the Celtics and the Lakers––suddenly reinvigorated by seemingle lopsided trades, one wonders when Fate will cut the New York Knicks a break.)

The Suns, on the other hand, have been criticized incessantly by almost everyone for a trade that doesn't seem to make any sense for them. No one could be a worse fit for the run-and-gun Suns than the 36 year-old center, who can barely run after almost a decade of carrying his 300-pound frame. His skills, as many observers point out, have greatly deteriorated. Marion did everything for Phoenix; played defense, grabbed rebounds, and scored when needed. Shaq, many say, won't replace that.

Whatever happens with these two teams, one thing is certain: the Wild West just got even wilder.