The Big Man Cometh: Shaqtus Comes to Cleveland

A deal that has been on the table for months between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns is reportedly completed.

ESPN has confirmed that Cleveland and Phoenix have agreed to send C Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland in exchange for a package including C/F Ben Wallace, F Sasha Pavlovic, and the 46th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

This means that Shaq will now join forces with his third superstar wing player of the decade in F LeBron James, who is pretty good in his own right.

O'Neal's contract expires at the end of the season and has value of over $20 million, freeing up space for the 2010 free agent spending spree.

This deal has been rumored to be going down since the February trading deadline, when Cleveland was hesitant to deal Wallace before the playoff run.

Instead, they chose to trade him in this offseason, where his $15 million expiring deal carries its most value.

Many have questioned Shaq's conditioning, but in Cleveland's half-court offense that shouldn't be much of a problem.

The motivation on the part of the Cavaliers to pull the trigger is the domination of Dwight Howard in their playoff series loss to the Orlando Magic.

For the Suns, the trade is about getting younger, and shedding their massive salary. Adding a younger wing in Pavlovic who can shoot might give Steve Nash another perimeter weapon.

Fans have been very divided on the trade, but it does create questions about the Cavaliers' roster.

The team has no clear cut starting PF at this point, but are also rumored to be pursuing Charlie Villanueva and Rasheed Wallace in free agency with the mid-level exception.

ESPN reported that the deal came about but was not the only option on the table for Cleveland GM Danny Ferry.

Chris Broussard reported that Cleveland was also in position to pull the trigger on a deal for New Orleans C Tyson Chandler, but were more reluctant because of his long-term contract.

The deal now brings two of the largest names in the game together in the same frontcourt, in a move which shook the NBA to its very core just moments ago.

If ego is not an issue, LeBron's "Witness" poster on Ontario St. will soon include the Diesel.