A few years ago, the majority of the teams around the league would have loved to have had Shaquille O’Neal on their squad and patrolling the paint. AT one point in time, Shaq was the most dominant force in the NBA and literally could not be stopped in the paint once he had the basketball in his hands. Not only was Shaq a dominant force on offense, but he could also get it done on the defensive end of the basketball floor.

These days, Shaq is no longer the most dominant center in the league as age has really started to catch up with the big fella, but despite his best years being behind him, the four-time NBA champion can still play and help a team win an NBA title.

Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be no longer a candidate on Shaquille O’Neal’s short list of possible destinations, there are three teams that could end up signing the two-time scoring champion in the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks.

As of right now, the Miami Heat seem like somewhat of a long shot as Shaq would have to take a considerable pay cut in order to play alongside two former teammates in Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, but the temptation to win another NBA title might be too great for him to pass up.

The two teams that seem like his most likely destination are the Hawks and the Celtics.

The Hawks are said the be the frontrunners right now as they can pay him the most money and possibly the biggest role, but the Celtics have arguably the best chance to win an NBA title next season and have a big void to fill with the possible retirement of Rasheed Wallace and the injury to center Kendrick Perkins.

It is uncertain which way Shaq is leaning at this point in time, but in my opinion I believe he will end up with the Hawks because the big fella wants to play and Atlanta would give him the best opportunity to do just that.

Related News

• Boston Celtics Injury Update: Shaquille O’Neal out indefinitely
• Shaq could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers before end of NBA regular season
• Boston Celtics sign Shaq to upgrade frontcourt
• Eastern Conference Playoffs Sports Betting Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
• Hawks Sign Ex-Laker Josh Powell