Reports: Shaq Close To Signing With Celtics

After about a month of waiting around it seems like Shaq has made up his mind on where he wants to go. According to numerous sources Shaq is close to signing a two year deal with the Boston Celtics.

The addition of Shaq gives the Celtics more depth at Center, something they definitely could have used in last season's NBA Finals.

Take A Hint

Hey, guys, it's not the year 2003 anymore.

Tracy McGrady and Shaquille O'neal have been struggling to find a home in the hottest free agency summer in NBA history.

Shaq can't find a home because he still thinks he deserves a contract in the 5-7 million range. Clearly, he's delusional. Several teams are interested in him but two have emerged as the frontrunners. The Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks are both said to be seriously considering the once dominant diesel. If the asking price was a bit lower I think the Celtics would jump on it but it's just too much to justify.

Tracy McGrady is willing to accept 1.35 million and his dream destination is to go to Chicago. The Bulls front office said they would sign him on two conditions: 1. He needs to be healthy and 2. He needs to be willing to accept a bench role. According to numerous reports, his workout went fine, but it was his interview that was a disaster. Apparently T-Mac refused to acknowledge that he would be a limited minutes bench player. Just so you have an idea, these were McGrady's words following his day with the Bulls.

"I'd bring what I know about the game and my athleticism and versatility. Knowing my smarts for the game, leadership, anything I can add to help these guys over the edge. Without me, without Boozer, they were a .500 club. With the guys that they added, and if you add me, I think we'll be 30 points better."

When asked if he would be willing to accept a bench role, the former scoring champion had this to say.

"I won't have a problem, but that's not what I'm really shooting for. Yeah, if I was the player that I was in a Knicks uniform, I would have no problem coming off the bench. But I have worked extremely hard and I'm far from being that player. Trust me. It's up to me in training camp to prove I'm a starter."

Does that sound like someone who's ready to accept playing 7-12 minutes per game?

The Bulls already have the cornerstone's of the franchise in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Adding post scoring threat Carlos Boozer, 3-point marksman Kyle Korver, and defensive specialist Ronnie Brewer puts the Bulls in contention for the Eastern Conference crown. Why would they want to jeopardize the team's success by bringing in someone who could and almost definitely would cause a distraction?

Both of these players need to understand that in order to continue their careers, they will need to sacrifice to do it.

"I want to be one of those players that stays with one franchise for his entire career."

Dwyane Wade is one of the many big names that will be whirling around the NBA come summer 2010, there have been many rumors as to what Wade will do. In a report by the New York Post Dwyane Wade has apparently ruled out a couple of teams saying, "I'm not thinking about the Knicks or the Nets. Only when we play them." 

 Wade went on to say, "I want to be in Miami, and I hope everything works out that way, I want to be one of those players that stays with one franchise for his entire career." 

 The bold is the key, Wade could be just saying that for his fans but I seriously doubt that. The place where Wade has been rumored to the most is Chicago, where Wade spent his childhood. Growing up in Chicago and now having a chance to play for the emerging Bulls is a very attractive offer but I can't help but think that Wade will pass. The reason why is because in Miami he's nothing short of a superhero, the Flash has left his mark on the city and leaving would be detrimental to his image for people like me. I'm one of those people who values loyalty as one of the most important components a person can have. And to me, Wade leaving Miami would be about as disloyal as anything. Wade, if he stays in Miami, is looking at a retired number, a legacy, and arguably most importantly a city of fans that will stick by him forever.

 It will most likely not affect his economic standing wherever he goes because both teams will be offering him the farm. Miami may even have to throw in something else if Wade seems like he's leaning another way. In the event that Pat Riley doesn't re-sign the best player in Heat history strictly because he wouldn't pony up the money, he will be run out of town at the hands of an angry mob with pitchforks and torches.

 If Wade leaves for Chicago he will be welcomed back with open arms, but is it worth disappointing all of those fans on Miami Beach? No, and because of all of these reasons I just can't see Wade playing anywhere but Miami for the rest of his career.