O'Neal

PHOENIX — The fastest, flashiest team in the NBA could be getting a lot slower — but much larger — because of a blockbuster trade few could have seen coming.

The improbable pairing of the Phoenix Suns and Shaquille O'Neal went from rumor to near-reality overnight with several media outlets reporting that the big center would be here today for a physical.

The deal would send unhappy forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat.

O'Neal has been out with a hip injury and underwent an MRI exam in Miami on Tuesday.

By The Associated Press