Steve Nash Wanted Shaq Out of Phoenix?
Shaquille O’Neal is well-known for starting feuds with former teammates. There could be another one in the offing after this report from FanHouse about the reasons behind Phoenix’s decision to deal the Diesel to Cleveland:
The trade of Shaquille O’Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday was more than just a contract dump for the Phoenix Suns.
It also was done to satisfy point guard Steve Nash.
According to an NBA source, Nash expressed his displeasure with O’Neal during a meeting last week in New York with general manager Steve Kerr.
Nash, still one of the best point guards in the NBA, will become a free agent after this season if the Suns can’t sign him this summer to a contract extension.
“I think he told him (Kerr) that if O’Neal was there, he wouldn’t be around much longer,” said the NBA source who requested his name not be used. “That pretty much sealed it.”
Nash, the article goes on to say, was irritated by the way Shaq slowed down Phoenix’s previously high-flying offense. And here I thought it was Mike D’Antoni leaving that destroyed the runnin’ Suns.
I hope Steve realizes that he has now made an enemy for life. That he has set himself up as fodder for a thousand freestyle raps and Twitter rants. Shaq, much like an elephant, has an enormous ass…and never forgets.
