Shaq Wants More Than the Mid Level

[Bankshot]

A league source said that while O'Neal's representatives have been pushing the Cavs to look for a sign-and-trade with the Hawks, the Cavs are only mildly interested. It is believed O'Neal is looking for a two-year contract worth more than the $5.7 million mid-level exception and also plenty of playing time. Without cooperation from the Cavs, his options will likely be quite limited.

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/thwarted_in_bid_for_lowry_clev.html

Are there any contending teams that can offer more than the mid level?  If not, I guess he doesn't mind playing for a loser?

[Roy Hobbs]

Best of look to Shaq, I guess.  I can't see any legit team giving him that much.

[greg_kite]

I think paying him $4 million would be a stretch.  If he wants double that he's crazy.  He'll be getting 20 minutes a game for probably 70 games.  And will get worse as the contract goes on.

[StartOrien]

I, too, want more than the MLE.

[Fafnir]

He wants a sign and trade for more money, who doesn't. The Hawks would likely go along because it'd allow them to use their MLE on other players.

I don't think the Cavs want to take back any of the junk that Atlant would likely want to send back for Shaq.

[Eeyore III]

I, too, want more than the MLE.

My thoughts exactly.  I always wondered what would happen when Snaq once again had to confront reality.

[indeedproceed]

I saw the thread title and I thought "Ah, there it is. I was wondering when Shaq would make an outrageous contract demand."

[Bankshot]

Danny on WEEI right now.  He said he's still in the running for Shaq, but it is unlikely that he'd get him.  If Shaq doesn't get the money he wants, would you use Sheed's contract to get him?  I don't think I would before we get the wing player we need.

[Fafnir]

Danny on WEEI right now.  He said he's still in the running for Shaq, but it is unlikely that he'd get him.  If Shaq doesn't get the money he wants, would you use Sheed's contract to get him?  I don't think I would before we get the wing player we need.

No I wouldn't, we need a backup wing or a big who has some athleticism left. Signing Jermaine makes Shaq utterly unnecessary.

[Who]

He wants a sign and trade for more money, who doesn't. The Hawks would likely go along because it'd allow them to use their MLE on other players.

I don't think the Cavs want to take back any of the junk that Atlant would likely want to send back for Shaq.

There was a report saying that the Cavs were demanding Marvin Williams

Mentioned some connection between the Cavs front office ... their new GM was working with Atlanta and part of the team that selected Marvin with the #2 pick and still values him highly ... something like that.

[Jeff]

how far away is Shaq from turning into a supersized version of Stephon?

this guy NEEDS attention - what's he going to do to get it when his playing time is done (probably before he realizes it)

[Finkelskyhook]

Best of look to Shaq, I guess.  I can't see any legit team giving him that much.

Atlanta might.  As empty as their arena is whether their team wins or loses....Maybe they might think a player like Shaq might put more fans in the seats.

[Moranis]

He wants a sign and trade for more money, who doesn't. The Hawks would likely go along because it'd allow them to use their MLE on other players.

I don't think the Cavs want to take back any of the junk that Atlant would likely want to send back for Shaq.

There was a report saying that the Cavs were demanding Marvin Williams

Mentioned some connection between the Cavs front office ... their new GM was working with Atlanta and part of the team that selected Marvin with the #2 pick and still values him highly ... something like that.

Marvin is better then Shaq at this point, but Marvin is a bench player and has a long contract and the Hawks really do need a center, so I could definately see them making the move at some point.  Ideally the Hawks could use the M.L.E. on Shaq and trade Marvin elsewhere for some backcourt depth.

[Fafnir]

He wants a sign and trade for more money, who doesn't. The Hawks would likely go along because it'd allow them to use their MLE on other players.

I don't think the Cavs want to take back any of the junk that Atlant would likely want to send back for Shaq.

There was a report saying that the Cavs were demanding Marvin Williams

Mentioned some connection between the Cavs front office ... their new GM was working with Atlanta and part of the team that selected Marvin with the #2 pick and still values him highly ... something like that.

No wonder Atlanta has no interest in making that deal!

I'm not a huge Marvin Williams fan, but I'd rather have him than Shaq at big dollars obviously.

[Fafnir]

He wants a sign and trade for more money, who doesn't. The Hawks would likely go along because it'd allow them to use their MLE on other players.

I don't think the Cavs want to take back any of the junk that Atlant would likely want to send back for Shaq.

There was a report saying that the Cavs were demanding Marvin Williams

Mentioned some connection between the Cavs front office ... their new GM was working with Atlanta and part of the team that selected Marvin with the #2 pick and still values him highly ... something like that.

Marvin is better then Shaq at this point, but Marvin is a bench player and has a long contract and the Hawks really do need a center, so I could definately see them making the move at some point.  Ideally the Hawks could use the M.L.E. on Shaq and trade Marvin elsewhere for some backcourt depth.

I don't think Shaq will walk away from a 2 year MLE offer from the Hawks in the end.