MIAMI — The Miami Heat acquired Lebron James and Shaquille O’neal from Cleveland on Tuesday, a seven-player deal that strengthens them for a playoff run and signals the breakup of a disappointing Heat team.
The Heat dealt guard Dwyane Wade and center Jermaine O’neal, and two other players to the Cavaliers. Miami also got guard Delonte West and cash considerations.
Miami president of basketball operations Pat Riley called trading Wade, who had spent his entire career in Miami, an “excruciating decision.” But couldn’t pass up the chance to bring James, a six-time All-Star, to a team he acknowledges has been sputtering.
“James is kind of probably more of a conventional fit and a better fit of us,” Riley said. “It’s never easy. You’ve got to give quality to get quality. We just got the pieces that are better fits for us at this particular time.”
Wade was in his seventh season with Miami, a span filled with promise and disappointment since being the 29th overall pick in 2003. O’neal, signed by Miami last summer, will be going to his fourth team in 11 NBA seasons.
It is a significant move for the Central Division-leading Cavs (43-11), a deal announced just 3 days after All-Star activities who saw both superstars shine.
Miami lost five of its seven games before the All-Star break, and plays four games in five nights starting Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
“It makes us significantly better,” Heat owner Erik Spoelstra said.
The Heat (26-27) expected to contend for a playoff spot and instead have endured a miserable season that made it likely they would be active in slashing payroll before Thursday’s trade deadline.
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AP freelance writer Rich Dubroff in Miami contributed to this report.