Shaquille O'Neal
The Big Diesel's midseason arrival in Phoenix.
Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns midseason in the 2007–08 season from the Miami Heat for four-time All-Star Shawn Marion. The trade marked a shift away from the "Seven Seconds or Less" era. O'Neal's arrival did not prevent the Suns from being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in five games.
- Role
- Center
- Status
- Retired
- Jersey Number
- 34
- Legacy
- Hall of Fame
Lore & Background
Shaquille O'Neal was acquired by the Suns just before the All-Star break in the 2007–08 season, sent from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion. The trade was seen as the end of the "Seven Seconds or Less" era. Despite O'Neal's presence, the Suns failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since re-signing Steve Nash in 2004, losing to the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in five games. The loss led to the departure of head coach Mike D'Antoni, who was allowed by general manager Steve Kerr to pursue coaching positions elsewhere and subsequently signed with the New York Knicks.
In Their Own Story
The 2007–08 Phoenix Suns season was their 40th season in the NBA. The team had the second best team offensive rating in the NBA. O'Neal was traded to the Suns just before the All-Star break for Shawn Marion. The Suns won at least 50 games for the fourth straight season and faced the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs for the third time in four years. Even with O'Neal, the Suns were eliminated in five games in the first round.
Reader's Guide
Shaquille O'Neal joined the Phoenix Suns midseason in the 2007–08 season via a trade from the Miami Heat for Shawn Marion. His arrival was a key part of the season narrative, marking the end of the "Seven Seconds or Less" era. The Suns had the second best team offensive rating in the NBA that season. O'Neal's presence did not change the playoff outcome: the Suns lost to the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in five games in the first round. Following the loss, head coach Mike D'Antoni left the team.
Did You Know?
- Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns midseason in the 2007–08 season for four-time All-Star Shawn Marion.
- The trade was seen as the end of the 'Seven Seconds or Less' era for the Suns.
- The Suns had the second best team offensive rating in the NBA during the 2007–08 season.
- Head coach Mike D'Antoni left the Suns after the 2007–08 season and signed with the New York Knicks.
More in Players & Legends
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