Shaquille O'Neal trade hits a potential snag

Caroncollector

A potential trade in the Shaquille O'Neal trade surfaced after a wrinkle was discovered in Lamar Odom's contract as the Miami Heat prepared to send him to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to various reports.

Odom reportedly has a clause in his contract which essentially says he must be paid a lump sum if he is traded, an amount ranging from $8.5 to $9.5 million.
Could this kill the big trade?

The Los Angeles Times doesn't seem to think so. The newspaper reported the Lakers were considering altering the agreement and trying to get the Heat to pay some of the money Odom will be owed.

An unnamed source told the newspaper, "This (contract wrinkle) won't derail anything."

According to league rules, there is a limit of $3 million in cash that can be included in a single transaction.

Now, the Heat will reportedly include a payment in the agreement which is to send the 32-year-old O'Neal to the Heat for forwards Odom, Brian Grant guard Caron Butler and a first round draft pick in 2006.

mikeschmidt

Lakers aren't dumb. They knew about this provision - but are stalling for time depending on the Koby situation.

Caroncollector

I don't think they are stalling...what would be the point of that? If everyone is leaving them wouldn't they be in a hurry to sign some of the best free agents out there before they sign with other teams and because of the Lakers stall tactics they get screwed?