Heat want O'Neal to make an extended stay.

Heat wants Shaq to make extended stay.

Team president Pat Riley said he hopes Shaquille O'Neal will do what is necessary to stay in Miami `for the next four or five years.'

There was a sense of missed opportunity from the moment the Heat lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons.

Shaquille O'Neal, 33, will be around for only so long, and the championship window can stay open for only so many years.

On Friday, though, Heat president Pat Riley said he'd like that window to stay ajar as long as possible by keeping O'Neal in Miami for the next ``four or five years.''

O'Neal has a clause in his contract that allows him to waive the $30.6 million due to him next season and become an unrestricted free agent. By the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, if O'Neal chooses to opt out of his contract, the Heat can re-sign him for as many as five years (if O'Neal doesn't opt out, the Heat can only extend his contract through 2008).

And Riley said the Heat and O'Neal have agreed that keeping the center around as long as possible is in everyone's best interest.

''We have agreed to agree to agree to move forward,'' Riley said in a telephone interview. ``It would be absolute insanity not to try to work out, when we're able to, obviously, after July 1, a deal that keeps Shaquille O'Neal in Miami for the next four or five years. That's always been our intention. We would have never made the trade unless we felt very strongly about him wanting to be here.''

What might happen.

However, there are a few factors still to be worked out. The realistic possibility of a lockout could affect, or at least delay, O'Neal's decision to opt out. And although Riley said he would like O'Neal to remain the highest-paid player in the league, the Heat also is looking to avoid paying a hefty luxury tax should its payroll get too high.

So Riley implied Friday that O'Neal might have to give up $1 million or $2 million so the Heat can afford quality players around O'Neal.

''I know [O'Neal's camp is] sensitive to that fact there are certain financial restraints we have, that in order to get the players around him that he wants, we've got to make a deal that's going to be good for both sides,'' Riley said.

Kareem Comparison.

However, that doesn't affect Riley's desire to keep O'Neal around for as long as possible. Having coached and won championships with a mature Lakers center in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Riley believes O'Neal can be extremely valuable for at least another half-decade.

''From the time Kareem was 32 to the time he was 42, the team won five championships, and they were in the Finals [eight] years in that time,'' Riley said.

``So there's no doubt that I feel that Shaquille, if he chooses to, and this is up to him -- can play four or five more years.''

Riley emphasized that O'Neal's health and fitness will be key to his longevity, so Riley kept alive the possibility that a weight clause, like the one built into Tim Hardaway's final contract with the Heat, could be figured into a new contract.

'There are always incentive clauses in players' contracts and stuff like that,'' Riley said.

``But I would hope that Shaquille, like most players, gets to a point where they don't have to do that, where they know what their job is, and they get highly motivated and they keep themselves in shape during the offseason. I think he's starting to move down that road.''

Other Team Issues.

O'Neal isn't the only issue Riley has to tackle this offseason. Power forward Udonis Haslem is a restricted free agent who could be lured away. The Heat can sign Haslem to a contract starting at the average NBA salary (approximately $5.5 million). But if a team with salary-cap space offers Haslem anything more than that, the Heat won't be able to match it.

The Cavaliers and Hawks are expected to pursue Haslem, and they both have ample salary-cap space.

''The market will tell us what he's going to do, once free agency starts and the bidding starts,'' Riley said. ``We love Udonis. He's a great player, he's got a great character, he's a very intelligent basketball player, he's got super hands. He's a little bit undersized, but I don't buy that. He did a great job for us the last two years, and he should be rewarded.''

Damon Jones, who started all but 16 games at point guard this season, also has an option in his contract that would make him a free agent. Should he opt out, the Heat would have to cut into its mid-level exception to re-sign him.

It starts with Shaq.

Riley said he hasn't addressed that subject yet, and the O'Neal domino must fall before he truly can tackle the point-guard situation.

''We're not going to do anything with anybody until we find out where we are with Shaquille, as far as getting that deal done,'' Riley said.

Riley also addressed Alonzo Mourning's situation, saying the unrestricted free-agent center is ''just going to wait awhile'' before he makes a decision on returning. The Heat picked up the option on Mourning's contract for next season, meaning only that if Mourning decides to play, he'll already be under contract with Miami. The Heat also wasted no time in picking up the option on Dwyane Wade's fourth season, which keeps him under contract through 2007 and makes him a restricted free agent after that.

Riley practically guaranteed a few changes to next season's team, but he also said, if healthy, this year's team could have won a title. So finding the balance between continuity and change will be a big challenge.

''I do think you need to add, every year, one or two different parts until you get exactly what it is you want,'' Riley said.

Source: Miami Herald. (Registration requiered.)

4-5 Years? That's quite a few years, Shaq's not getting any younger or better, I'd say three max would be lucky. I just hope he isn't Olajuwon type when he leaves basketball. As rude as that sounds.

Last edited by Jackal on Sun Jun 19, 2005 3:11 am, edited 1 time in total.

If they give him the money he wants for another 5 years they are absolutely crazy.

yea i agree shaq has 2 good years left in him then 1 so-so year sign him to a 3 year extension

if Shaq really wants a championship then he'd do what's necessary. Cut his contract in half. This isn't 2000, he isn't worth 30 million.

All this championship talk is horseshit when the team can't improve because one guy is eating up 60% of the salary cap. How can they improve without getting any other players on board.

we know shaq career is on a downhill which only make shaq want more good contract coz it will be his last good contract.... after that his value will go down....

i also agree about 3 year will be the max for shaq to be effective... but we can never tell it will all depend on the big fellow.

Shaq's the same guy that flirted with retirement a couple years ago. He doesn't look like he's able to play another 4-5 years. 3 years max before getting beat up by the younger centers (I'd love to see Darko and Bogut beat Shaq up )

How old is shaq?

He's 33. Uf. Jesus number. Maybe he gets crucified for not bringing champinonship in Miami.

How old is shaq?

If you read the fourth line in Jackal's original post, then you wouldn't have asked that question, eh?

"Shaquille O'Neal, 33, ...."

lmao

He should show some class like Garnett did and accept less money,because he's like waaay overpriced at the moment with the injuries and all.

It'd be nice to see Shaq do that, but at the same time, he's the reason Miami are championship contenders, and you can't put a price on that.

True, but he'd have to give up some of that money if he wanted more than just contending. To win he'd have to give up a bit more than just the Burger King burgers.

I don't see Shaq playing into decline like Olajuwon or Ewing did. I have a feeling he will be like Mike (bar the comebacks) and retire on the top. Then maybe we might see Shaq on more movies and releasing more rap albums.

I don't think they have much of a choice.

Shaq is probably not going to accept a 3-year contract because he knows if Miami doesn't give him the money he wants somebody else will. And Miami knows that whithout Shaq there's no way they're going to win a championship anytime soon.

I don't see Shaq playing into decline like Olajuwon or Ewing did. I have a feeling he will be like Mike (bar the comebacks) and retire on the top. Then maybe we might see Shaq on more movies and releasing more rap albums.

The same could have been said about ewing and olajuwon at the same time in their careers.. Big men just don't have that kind of longetivity that guards do... Keep in mind MJ retired twice, and he didnt' have to pound it in the post for 13+ seasons.

Also, Shaq's body has already taking quite a beating.. if he was fit for most of the time with the Lakers which would minus the injuries.... maybe his body could be holding up a lil longer... right now, he will only play good for around 2-3 years.

If SHaq wants that new contract.. he should og back in time and take away all of the extra weight he had. it hurt him real good long term...

The same could have been said about ewing and olajuwon at the same time in their careers.. Big men just don't have that kind of longetivity that guards do... Keep in mind MJ retired twice, and he didnt' have to pound it in the post for 13+ seasons.

I'd say it's the other way around. Big men have a natural advantage that doesn't go away, namely their height. They are less of a liability when they slow down with age, whereas the smaller players who have a greater reliance on their speed, quickness and mobility often aren't quite the same as they grow older, even if they're extremely talented players with a high basketball IQ. Most of the players who have enjoyed the longest careers are the big men, John Stockton and John Havlicek being a couple of notable exceptions.

I can see Shaq being around another 4-5 years if his health holds up. He's not going to be as dominant as he's going to lose some of that mobility, and it's his surprising mobility and agility that allow him to fully utilise his strength and bulk. But with Wade's continued rise, around 22 and 10 from Shaq is probably all they need most nights.

That said, accepting a paycut would be the noble thing to do in this situation. He's not going to get much better, he can only decline physically and it places the team in an awkward situation. Shaq can still demand a lot of money, but $30+ million per year for another three, four or five years is a bit much, all things considered. But I agree it's in the Heat's best interests to keep him. One win away from the NBA Finals is still a great season and he remains a valuable and dominant player.

Yeah, putting the actual numbers down, $120-$150mill+ is too much for shaq at this age.

Maybe 5 years ago, but now now. That's the type of money for a young superstar not one that is near the end.

Meh, he just wants to be on the Top 10 Richest Athletes all the time...
Give up those money so I can trade for you in my dynasty Shaq!

If I were the manager I'd give him 2 and no more than 3 years of good productivity and an average salary of about 25 millions per season. He's asking too much and he's not getting any better.

Michael Jordan's salary in his last tenure with the Bulls was making over 30 M and that's ok because everybody knew he was going to lead his team to the finals and win it all.

Michael Jordan's salary in his last tenure with the Bulls was making over 30 M and that's ok because everybody knew he was going to lead his team to the finals and win it all.

Well, that's almost what Shaq did, right? Except I should mention Dwyane Wade shouldered a lot of that load too

The same could have been said about ewing and olajuwon at the same time in their careers.. Big men just don't have that kind of longetivity that guards do... Keep in mind MJ retired twice, and he didnt' have to pound it in the post for 13+ seasons.

I'd say it's the other way around. Big men have a natural advantage that doesn't go away, namely their height. They are less of a liability when they slow down with age, whereas the smaller players who have a greater reliance on their speed, quickness and mobility often aren't quite the same as they grow older, even if they're extremely talented players with a high basketball IQ. Most of the players who have enjoyed the longest careers are the big men, John Stockton and John Havlicek being a couple of notable exceptions.

I can see Shaq being around another 4-5 years if his health holds up. He's not going to be as dominant as he's going to lose some of that mobility, and it's his surprising mobility and agility that allow him to fully utilise his strength and bulk. But with Wade's continued rise, around 22 and 10 from Shaq is probably all they need most nights.

yep gotta agree with andrew. big men like kareem, willis (still playing hehe), robert parish, james edwards, played forever. i guess you can say the same for white stiffs who can hit the open shot: ie- steve kerr, pike, ainge, etc

I thought he wasn't planning on playing for another 5 years?

The same could have been said about ewing and olajuwon at the same time in their careers.. Big men just don't have that kind of longetivity that guards do... Keep in mind MJ retired twice, and he didnt' have to pound it in the post for 13+ seasons.

I'd say it's the other way around. Big men have a natural advantage that doesn't go away, namely their height. They are less of a liability when they slow down with age, whereas the smaller players who have a greater reliance on their speed, quickness and mobility often aren't quite the same as they grow older, even if they're extremely talented players with a high basketball IQ. Most of the players who have enjoyed the longest careers are the big men, John Stockton and John Havlicek being a couple of notable exceptions.

I can see Shaq being around another 4-5 years if his health holds up. He's not going to be as dominant as he's going to lose some of that mobility, and it's his surprising mobility and agility that allow him to fully utilise his strength and bulk. But with Wade's continued rise, around 22 and 10 from Shaq is probably all they need most nights.

yep gotta agree with andrew. big men like kareem, willis (still playing hehe), robert parish, james edwards, played forever. i guess you can say the same for white stiffs who can hit the open shot: ie- steve kerr, pike, ainge, etc

Also, the big men usually do more weight training and stuff cos strength is much more important for them than the lil' guys, so their bodies are more conditioned.