Center Shaquille O’Neal is now a member of the Phoenix Suns after he passed a physical exam, the final barrier to the completion of his trade from the Miami Heat, the Associated Press reports. The Heat—which has the NBA's worst record at 9-37—exchanged O'Neal, 35, for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks.
"I think it gives us a better chance to win, and a better chance to win in the playoffs," said Suns general manager Steve Kerr, who acknowledged concerns about O'Neal's age and recent injury history. Phoenix, at 34-14, has the best record in the Western Conference but hasn't met expectations; the move helps the Suns keep pace with recent moves by the Los Angeles Lakers. (More basketball stories.)