PHOENIX, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Phoenix acquired 14-time All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal from Miami Wednesday and sent the Heat forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks.
O'Neal flew to Phoenix Wednesday for tests on his injured left hip, after which the Suns decided the aging superstar was healthy enough to be a factor this season. O'Neal has not played the last two weeks.
"I think we just got better," Phoenix Coach Mike D'Antonio said. "If we can better our team, then why not do it. He's not going to come to Phoenix and lay an egg."
The move was seen as a reaction by Phoenix to the recent acquisition of Pau Gasol by the Los Angeles Lakers.
O'Neal will turn 36 next month. He has two years left on his contract after this season and the deal calls for him to be paid $20 million in each of those years.
In 32 games this season, he has averaged 14.2 points per game, the worst in his 16-year career.
"We're rebuilding," said Miami Coach Pat Riley. "He's in a place where he has a chance to win a title and to take Phoenix where he took us (to a title two years ago)."
