Colpo di mercato dei Phoenix che acquistano Shaquille O Neal

(Reuters) - The Miami Heat have traded center Shaquille O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks, the Heat said on Wednesday.

Phoenix have the best record in the Western Conference but believe they need a bigger inside presence to battle with the likes of San Antonio's Tim Duncan and the Los Angeles Lakers' newly acquired Pau Gasol.

The 35-year-old O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion, played four seasons with the Orlando Magic, eight with the L.A Lakers, and was in his fourth season with the Heat. This season he has been hampered by fitness problems and has averaged a career low 14 points while missing 14 games due to a nagging hip injury.

The Heat, who have the NBA's worst record at 9-37 and have lost 19 of their last 20 games, are looking to rebuild. They then lost to Detroit after the trade was announced.

Marion, a four-time All-Star has been with Phoenix throughout his nine-year NBA career and has averaged double figures in scoring in every season.

The trade represents a risk for the Suns who are banking on O'Neal rediscovering his fitness and form. Without O'Neal, the Heat's dreadful form continued with the 100-95 loss at Detroit and after the game coach Pat Riley said the trade was for the benefit of the team.