Shaq is on the verge of becoming a Phoenix Sun. Who ever would’ve believed that a couple of years ago when he helped lead the Heat to their first NBA title? Just goes to show how far the once mighty big man has fallen the past couple of years.

So, the big question is is this the right move for the Suns? The reported deal would send All-Star forward Shawn Marion and backup point guard Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat for the larger than life perennial All-Star.

Shaq has been out with a bad hip and underwent an MRI yesterday in Miami. The soon to be 36 year-old Newark, New Jersey native still has to pass a physical in order for the trade to go through sending him to The Desert.

Assuming he passes, the four-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP will try to go for ring No.5 teaming up with the best PG in the league Steve Nash and power threat Amare Stoudemire, who would move back to his natural power forward spot.

On paper, it gives the Suns a double inside threat along with the shot blocking presence they’ve lacked for so long. How much does Shaq have left? This is only the second time in his brilliant 16-year career that he won’t be an All-Star. Quite obviously, he’s not the same dominant inside force but if motivated like a couple of years ago, everyone knows what the former LSU standout is capable of.

So, can an intimidating frontline of Stoudamire and O’Neal coexist? They’ll each want to get their touches. It should be interesting to see how that chemistry unfolds.

The Suns will still have valuable sixth man Leandro Barbosa coming off the bench filling it up from the outside. Veteran Grant Hill is an excellent secondary option who is very unselfish and still is seeking his first NBA championship. Top perimeter defender Raja Bell can also get double digits and knock it down from behind the arc.

Don’t forget too that this trade would allow them to keep versatile PF Boris Diaw. He certainly is capable of instant offense off the bench.

So, what do the Suns subtract here? By losing Marion, they get rid of an unhappy player who didn’t like being the third option. The 29 year-old former UNLV star is a reliable scorer who gets double doubles. He was averaging 15.8 points-per-game while pulling down 9.9 boards. His scoring is down to its lowest dating back to his rookie season when he netted 10.2 PPG in 1999-00. 

The Suns lose one of their three-point options but maybe that’s for the best considering that being a dangerous perimeter-oriented team usually doesn’t translate to winning NBA titles. Look at the Spurs. They have the perfect balance with star trio Tim Duncan, 2007 Finals MVP Tony Parker and the ultra-dangerous Manu Ginobili. Each makes their impact on the game which is why they’ve won three championships together making it four overall for the Big Fundamental.

Will a slower Shaq offset what a quick distributor like Nash does well? He loves to run n’ gun. That might not work. The Suns are a great transition time. Now, they’ll need to adjust to a halfcourt set slowing down Nash’s frenetic pace.

Defensively, they improve. Inside on offense, they get better which is where they want to compete against the Spurs, Mavs and Lakers (now with Pau Gasol).

For Miami, the move also makes sense since it’s obvious that Shaq is slowing down and can’t be relied upon. They needed to get younger and Marion should give them a boost offensively where he’ll team with Dwyane Wade.

Banks meanwhile is a solid backup PG who can spell starter Jason Williams. He had virtually no role in two seasons with Phoenix but is capable of more. The scenery change should allow him to get more PT.

Who Wins This Deal? Depends if the Suns can come out of the West and win the franchise’s first ever NBA title with Shaq. If they do, then they win because Marion is not exactly putting the Heat back in the mix. He also could option out after this year and become a free agent. So, the Heat could be a big-time loser here.