Suns Trade Shaq To Cleveland, Gambling Odds Shift In East

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a problem defending Dwight Howard in the Eastern Conference finals this past season. They assured themselves this year will not be a relapse today when they acquired Shaquille O'Neal from the Phoenix Suns.

According to sources, the deal would send O'Neal to the Cavs for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, cash, and the 46th pick in tonight's draft. It is the first of what may be many trades on draft day.

"This is going to severely shift the balance of power in the East," said analyst Bo Helmer, "the Cavaliers were one piece away last year from going to the NBA Finals, and now that piece has been found."

Cleveland and Boston were already the early betting favorites for next year in the East. This trade will ensure that Cleveland goes to training camp as the overwhelming favorite. Whether or not this is enough to push them past the Lakers in the odds makers minds is still unknown.

O'Neal now shares a common theme with Kobe Bryant after last season. They both have won four NBA titles, one each without each other. The race to five is on, and both their teams will be favored to get them another ring.

Cleveland, meanwhile, has once again shown LeBron James that they will do whatever is necessary to put a championship caliber team around him. That is one thing that James has been looking for before he makes his decision as to whether or not he will stay in Cleveland after this upcoming season.

June 25, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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