If Shaq became a free agent & expresses interest in joining the Spurs........

[Reggie Miller]

The Allan Houston rule was a one time thing. When players like Houston & Finley got cut, that was the only time teams were able to do that...it's not like that option is available to every team every year.

Which is why it is like saying, "If I had a time machine..."

[bdubya]

Were I Buford, I'd be more interested in 'Zo.

[zrinkill]

In a second if he was cheap ......

But not at his current price tag.

[SenorSpur]

First of all this is a silly question. There are two sides of this Shaq question.

First the economic part. Because if you know anything about Shaq, he doesn't become a free agent. He was fortunate enough to have signed his first and only FA contract with the Fakers back in '96. That contract affords him a non-slotted, top-tier salary of upwards of 20 mil+. Since then, he's never opted out or even allowed it to expire. He and his agent simply negotiate an extension as it nears the final year. Smart move to ensure his enormous salary.

As far as on-court Shaq, we all know he's guaranteed to miss at least 20-30 games a season with some ailment. His weight and desire are now beig questioned. At this stage of his career, Shaq is simply hanging on for the paycheck. Sure he's still dominant in stretches, but his negatives outweigh his positives. His economic liabilities clearly outweigh his part-time, on-court contributions.