All Star center Shaquille O'Neal will pair with reigning most valuable player LeBron James next season for the Cleveland Cavaliers after the team agreed a multi-player involved trade on Thursday with the Phoenix Suns.
The Cavaliers have acquired the four-time NBA champion and 15 times All-Star from the Suns in exchange for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic as well as a second round draft pick in 2010 and cash considerations.
O'Neal, the NBA's fifth all-time scorer with 27,619 points during a 17-year career, averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.38 blocks during one-plus seasons in Phoenix.
Cleveland had the league's best record at 66-16 but lost to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals in six games.
The Suns, who acquired O'Neal from the Miami Heat last season, stumbled to 46-36 this season and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2009)
