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• Vote: What's the impact of all the big trades in the NBA this week?

We'll get back to the actual draft selections in a bit, but frankly, aside from new Timberwolves general manager David Kahn putting Matt Millen and Jon Gruden to shame by stockpiling people who play the same position in a matter of mere minutes, the week's real drama involved players who long since had their moment on the podium with David Stern.

We're talking trades -- and not just mentally talking, as Shaq seems to prefer.

Vince Carter is in Orlando, Richard Jefferson is in San Antonio, Shaquille O'Neal is in Cleveland and Thabo Sefolosha is in Oklahoma City. And if you don't think that last one matters, you've obviously never listened to anyone with an Oklahoma accent.

• A 'Nation of one? Florida almost alone in thinking more of Carter than Shaq.
• Chat wrap: See what Stepehn Curry, Ricky Rubio and others told SportsNation.
• Fan groups: Cleveland Cavaliers fans | Orlando Magic Hoops | San Antonio Spurs

“

I have a feeling [the Magic] aint bringing back turkoglu now.with the money that howard,carter,and lewis are making,I cant imagine them giving him the kind of money he thought he was going to get last week.

” -- nspe33

“

Get ready, Cleveland. [Shaq] willl be fat and out of shape when camp starts, he'll have to play himself into shape, and he'll be injured the first 1 - 1 1/2 months of the season. Just like every other team he has ever played for! Bank it!

” -- THEBOOTGUY

• Vote: Who is the leader in Kobe and Shaq's race to hoops immortality?

Much like his favorite philosopher, Aristotle, Shaquille O'Neal hasn't had much need for winter outerwear while making a name for himself in warm climates. But to answer one of the key questions of human existence -- whether or not he's better than Kobe Bryant -- he'll have to break out the mittens and scarves. Winter in Cleveland; it's fantastic!

The trade that will send Shaq to the shores of Lake Erie for a second-round pick and nearly 14 feet of expiring contracts isn't finalized (presumably still checking for Ben Wallace's pulse ... Update: Good news for the Cavs and Wallace; the deal was finalized Thursday), but SportsNation likes the idea of Shaq adding LeBron to a trophy case of partners that includes Kobe and Dwyane Wade (and Penny Hardaway, but nobody's perfect).

• In the hours before details of the trade became clear, two out of three voters were already saying the big guy is a good fit for the Cavaliers.
• It's still early (especially on the left coast, where we pity those awake enough to vote), but Shaq's move is creating a Rocky Mountain schism when it comes to the defending champion Lakers or the new-look Cavaliers as the favorite next season.
• But when it comes to whether or not Shaq's relocation is a bigger deal than the United States beating Spain in soccer -- It's the (original) world's game all the way.

“

Let's not forget, Shaq is much older, prone to injury and fatigue these days. He is unstoppable at times still but night in night out he's consistent. It's not like he's a defensive force anymore. He's still an immovable object though. I think he will help slightly. But it will take some growing time, even though he knows he has to defer to LeBron.

” -- ACT1v1

“

All LeBron has to do is get Shaq to the playoffs. Shaq will get LeBron a ring. Shag could possibly get 3 more rings before he decides to call it quits. He could go to Dallas and get Dirk a ring after the Cav let him go. As long as they let Shaq bull his way in to the lane there is always a chance for him to win another championship

” -- BigVilFromWestPhil