1) What the hell is Phoenix thinking?  Obviously Phoenix is freaking out over the Gasol trade or Marion is that out of his mind about wanting to leave Phoenix.

2) Does anyone really see Phoenix as a half-court offense?  It takes away their best quality, and if this trade does go through they will be one of the 3 worst defensive teams in the league.

I do have to say as a Laker fan nothing would be more fun than to have Shaq in the division and watch Bynum beat up on him.  This is such a ridiculously stupid trade for Phoenix I can't believe they are even considering it. 

Even if Marion was becoming a cancer, Shaq would be even worse.  The Suns problem is that Marion is both their strength and weakness.  He gives them the versatility to run, but he crumbles when he's needed most.

The only way the Suns should trade Marion is if they get a equally versatile player in return, especially if they can add a big man to come off the bench in the process.  Otherwise, they need to realize that this is the best they can be.

The Nets are in complete rebuilding mode, right?  Why not Marion and however many first round picks New Jersey wants for Richard Jefferson and Sean Williams?

Or to Milwaukee for Desmond Mason, Charlie V, and Dan Gadzuric?

The comments above are correct but I just had to add one little spin to it:  One of the best things about watching western conference ball right now is how the teams play chess with personel.  It's a vicious little circle.  One team is designed specifically to beat another team which leaves it weak for the style of another contender (e.g. Dallas can beat San Antonio, but struggles with Phoenix.  San Antonio can beat Phoenix but struggles against Dallas.  Phoenix can beat Dallas but can't seem to beat San Antonio and struggles with L.A.  And L.A. ...etc on down with the others.  Now with the recent theft of, er, uh, I mean "trade for" Pau Gasol and the maturing of Bynum, L.A. has changed the dynamic.  Phoenix, which already has problems with L.A. and has not exactly kept Tim Duncan off the boards (or Fabrizio Oberto, for that matter!) because Stoudamire is so soft, now has to move in this chess match.

I actually think this may work. If sold on the idea that he is coming over to help keep L.A. down, I actually think that Shaq could suddnely find a little motivation.  It aint like he has anything against the Lakers, right?  Shaq can still outplay Gasol. He can definitely stand in the middle of the paint with his arms up in the air to be a defensive presence (Anyone remember Utah's Mark Eaton?), and O'Neill is still a good passer.  I do wonder if his immobile presence in the middle might stagnate the Phoenix offense by deterring cutters to the basket (other than the fearless Nash), but would be willing to assume Nash would dish Shaq enough marshmallow buckets that Shaq might find a little more effort left in him.  This could actually put Phoenix securely over San Antonio and L.A. if it works out.  Of course the down side is that Phoenix becomes more vulnerable to The Hornets and/or the Warriors.  Ah, that vicious little circle again.

Agree with you on Marion.  I'd trade him for O'Neil in a minute while the window is there with Nash.

If Shaq can find a way to stay healthy, it may not be the worst thing ever to happen to Phoenix since Buddy Ryan. Look Marion was not happy playing the 5 and he got worked over on the defensive side in the playoffs. Also he has been complaining for a while about his role, so ship him out and get something that could help in the playoffs, but that is a big if. Now if the Suns are allowed to have Shaq use a Rascal to get up and down the court than it will defiantly be a great trade.