When I was first reading about it, I was shocked (like everyone else).  Why in the world would the Suns of all people want shaq?!?

I followed most of the line of reasoning to get to wanting to make a trade.
Marion wants out.
Had same 3 people last number of years and never even made it to finals.
Should make a trade to changes things up for the year, possibly a big man.

Where the rationale starts becoming confusing is…
Shaq as a trade asset is a minus.  To take on Shaq, there should be additional stuff added on (like draft picks) to get out from under his $20 million/year contract.
Marion as a trade asset is a plus.  He is 4 time all star who is a very strong all around player still in his  prime.   When you trade him away, you should be expecting good assets back.
A trade of Shaq for Marion…is essentially taking on crap to get rid of a valuable asset.

There wasn’t a way to trade up Pau and Marion before?  Trade Marion for Joe Johnson?  someone? anyone?  Anyone but Shaq?

I only have one other possible explanation for all of this…

It must be April.