As was reported a couple weeks ago, both here and by numerous media outlets, Shaquille O’Neal has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for  Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovicand the #46 pick in tonight’s draft. This is pretty much a strong admission that acquiring Shaquille O’Neal for a disgruntled Shawn Marion was a horrible idea. In Shaq’s first full year with the Suns the team lost 9 more games than the previous season and failed to make the playoffs, rather than battling for a top-seed in the Western Conference as they did previously with Shawn Marion in the fold. The fact of the matter is that Shaq played pretty well as an individual, however he destroyed what the Suns used to be. Shaq clogged up the middle for Amare on offense, could not defend the pick and roll and forced the Suns to play 4 on 5 in fast break opportunities. Shaq will now be united with Lebron James and I know Shaq will flourish there and likely make it deep into next year’s playoffs and maybe win another championship. In addition, the feud between him and Dwight Howard will be a great story-line in the NBA next season.

As for the Suns in this trade; this was nothing more than a salary dump. All indications have pointed to Ben Wallace retiring. So in turn, the Suns could release Pavlovic (who only is owed 1.5 million guaranteed) and buy out Wallace, thus avoiding the luxury tax in 2010.

The Suns now turn to the draft tonight to help bolster this franchise. Trade rumors are still spiraling around about Amare Stoudemire. However, the fact of the matter is Robert Sarver wants a winner and the Suns still need to put butts in the seats.  Here is my bold predictions for tonight’s draft by round:

First Round: Suns will trade out of the 14th pick and obtain a 1st round pick in next year’s draft as well as getting a late 20’s pick in this year’s draft. The Suns with this pick will select Taj Gibson from USC; trying to bolster there pick and roll defense and give Nash an alley-oop option.

Second Round: The Suns now have 3 picks in this round. with the 46th pick from the Cavaliers I predict they will take Forward Jeff Pendergraph from Arizona State….that is if he is still available. The other two picks in this round will not be relevant as they will play in the NBDL next season. 

In a few hours we will see if I am right, but I don’t expect any other Sun’s veterans to be changing uniforms this evening! Either way, the NBA draft is always fun!

Go Suns!!!