The thought of Shaq playing for the Celtics is intriguing. I know he is 38 years old and has his better days behind him, but, as explained ad nauseam on this board, he could help the Celtics out immensely. The question is, will he play for the veterans minimum or does he expect to still make about $8M per.
At this point, the only other tool the Celts have in their arsenal (also mentioned about a bazillion times) is Sheed's contract. But, for that to work, the Cavs would have to be willing to sign the Diesel and trade him to Boston, which of course is very possible. However, why would they do it? What's in it for them?
I know the Celtics could send a draft pick or two or maybe one of their young players as part of a deal tied to Sheed's contract. But maybe, just maybe, Cleveland might be willing to do it with an added incentive.... keeping Lebron from winning a title next season. It may sound far fetched, but right now the Celtics aren't the enemy in Cleveland as Miami has snatched that title in the hearts of the Cav's fans and management.
I'm not suggesting the Cavs would be willing to hand anything to the Celtics, but it might be easier to deal with them as they know a deal could be two-fold: help position themselves to improve their franchise for the future as well as helping the Celtics keep public enemy number one and his new franchise from winning the title next season.
Of course, Shaq could sign with another contender tomorrow and that would make this a moot point, but I think the door is open for Danny Ainge to build an alliance with Cleveland which could ultimately satisfy both fan bases.