Hooped Up

Shawn Marion might be the most underrated small forward in the league and the Heat might “upgrade” him for another underrated small forward in Ron-Ron.

Miami is believed to have interest in Artest and be willing to part with Shawn Marion, whose $17.1 million deal also is expiring. As will be the case with most suitors, the question will be whether the Kings can include forward Kenny Thomas and his deal that includes two more seasons and approximately $18 million. 

Sacramento Bee 

With Shawn Marion and the Heat expected to resume contract talks shortly, several teams — including the Clippers and Golden State — have expressed an interest in acquiring him. The issue, though, will be whether any offers will be more appealing than keeping Marion long-term or allowing his deal to expire next summer to sign Utah’s Carlos Boozer. Although Pat Riley said he wants to keep Marion, Miami’s first offer wasn’t close to Marion’s wishes.

Miami Herald

Miami Heat forward Shawn Marion will not opt out of the final season and $17.8 million left on his contract, his agent said Monday night. Agent Dan Fegan said he has reached an impasse with Heat president Pat Riley after a month of on-and-off negotiations on an extension. Fegan said he informed the Heat of Marion’s decision.

Miami Herald 

As the Lakers look to make some changed to keep Kobe happy get back to the NBA Finals, could Shawn Marion be an option in LA?

Miami’s Shawn Marion would address some of those defensive concerns. He might also be a better fit than Odom when the Lakers start Bynum at center and Pau Gasol at power forward. While their contracts don’t exactly match up (Marion makes $17 million next season and Odom is at $14.6 mil), a package deal involving those two players might work. They’re both entering the final season of their contracts.

NY Daily News

I’d want Shawn Marion around if I lost that many losses too.

Listen to any Dwyane Wade offseason comments and the constant is the desire to play an entire season alongside Shawn Marion. It’s “Shawn this” and “Shawn that” as Wade goes through a roster that remains very much under reconstruction.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

A trio of Wade, Beasley and Marion would be Lethal!

Forward Shawn Marion, who has missed three of the past four games, has an early termination option he can exercise to also become a free agent. “The offseason, you’ve got to take it as it comes,” said Marion, who has been battling severe back spasms and may miss tonight’s game against the visiting Wizards. “I like Miami, though. I’m a Heat player right now. I don’t know tomorrow.”

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Should Marion opt to leave, the salary-cap space gained would allow Riley to cast a big line into a ripe free agent pool that will include the likes of Elton Brand, Gilbert Arena, Allen Iverson and others. Those options, plus a likely top-three draft pick, mean the Heat could be a contender again quickly. Riley’s motivation in this trade was plain, the need for it underlined by the horrid 9-38 record Miami has after losing at Detroit on Wednesday night.

Arizona Republic

Shaquille O’Neal flashed that wide smile, and took on the critics who say he’s too old and too slow to fit in with the sleek, speedy Phoenix Suns. “I look forward to making people eat their words,” he said at a news conference Thursday. “I really do.” Wearing a Suns’ purple shirt and tie with his immaculate dark suit, O’Neal met the media for the first time since the stunning deal Wednesday that sent the 14-time All-Star from the Miami Heat to Phoenix in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Phoenix Suns have acquired Shaquille O’Neal in a stunning, blockbuster deal that sends four-time All-Star Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat.

The improbable pairing of the speedy Suns and the slow but once-mighty O’Neal became official when he cleared a physical exam Wednesday.

The Heat has told center Shaquille O’Neal’s representation that it is talking about trading him and he should be prepared for the possibility of a deal, according to two officials close to the situation. Phoenix has discussed sending forward Shawn Marion and point guard Marcus Banks to the Heat in return for O’Neal.

Miami Herald