Last Updated on May 4, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, experienced several significant trades throughout his illustrious career. Here’s a chronological overview of his trade history:
July 14, 2004 – Los Angeles Lakers to Miami Heat
After eight seasons with the Lakers, where he secured three consecutive championships (2000–2002) alongside Kobe Bryant, O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat. In exchange, the Lakers received Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a future first-round pick. This move marked the end of the Shaq-Kobe era in Los Angeles.
February 6, 2008 – Miami Heat to Phoenix Suns
Amidst a challenging season for the Heat, O’Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. The Suns aimed to bolster their interior presence with this acquisition.
June 25, 2009 – Phoenix Suns to Cleveland Cavaliers
The Suns traded O’Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlović, a 2010 second-round draft pick, and $500,000. The Cavaliers sought to strengthen their roster around LeBron James in pursuit of an NBA championship.
Following his tenure with the Cavaliers, O’Neal signed as a free agent with the Boston Celtics in August 2010, where he played his final NBA season before retiring in 2011.