Shaq Could Become a Bull

May 27th, 2009 by Andrew Wamboldt

According to Victor Bellan of rumorpress.net, Shaquille O’neal of the Phoenix Suns, could become a member of the Chicago Bulls.

Shaq was an allstar last year.

There is a possibility Shaquille O’Neal could be in a Chicago Bulls uniform next season. In a rather surprising discovery, the Phoenix Suns aoneal.jpgnd Bulls plan on engaging in trade talks that could send the future hall of fame center to Chicago, as soon as teams are allowed to talk after the playoffs. Suns GM Steve Kerr is looking to deal Shaq and is said to be interested in Loul Deng. The Suns would like to move the aging center mainly because he has slowed the up-tempo Suns down drastically. They feel Deng could bring some young, athletic energy back to the team. The Suns also feel Deng could still live up to his potential and contract if he can stay healthy.

The Bulls apparently will listen to the potential idea at the very least. However, Chicago fears that O’Neal will slow down the Bulls young, up-tempo style of play (with the Bulls already having a slow moving, aging center on the team in Brad Miller). On the other hand, the Bulls would love to get rid of Loul Deng’s huge contract, especially with the emergence of John Salmons and with their hopes to resign Ben Gordon. In addition, Shaq’s contract expires at the end of next season, freeing up even more money for 2010. The Bulls also feel Shaq could be a good influence on the young big men and could fit temporarily for one season as a low post presence. The trade would likely be O’Neal for Deng, Tim Thomas and Jerome James (assuming James exercises his player option) Look for the Suns and Bulls to at least toy around with the idea.

This would be an excellent move for the Bulls. Essentially, they would have last year’s playoff team back with the addition of Shaq. Who knows how far the Bulls could have gone with a scoring big. If Shaq could draw some double teams to free up Ben Gordon for some wide open three pointers.

In addition, Shaq is a good defensive center, and would help to improve the Bulls’ weak interior defense.

Additionally, Shaq’s contract would come off the books at the end of the year. By unloading Luol Deng, the Bulls would open themselves up to becoming players in 2010 free agency, while retaining the deadly backcourt of Derrick Rose and Ben Gordon.