Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest and most dominant players in NBA history. As a 15x All-Star, 14x All-NBA player, and 4x Champion, he accomplished much over his long and storied career.
Even back in the late 90s, he knew his worth.
Back during his last days with the Orlando Magic, O’Neal was in active negotiations on a new deal and he and the team were nowhere close to reaching an agreement. In fact, as the basketball legend would go on to reveal, he spurned the Magic when they tried to offer him a 4-year, $80 million deal.
“I said listen, if a BMW cost $115,000, how much do you think this is gonna cost? That’s all I said. So then they were like no we’re not gonna do it. And then I was at a strip club, Manchester City. My former agent Leonard Armato called me, had one of those big dope man phones, and said ‘you need to come see me now, I got what you want’. So when I get there, open the door, it’s the great Jerry Buss.”
In 4 seasons with the Magic, Shaq proved to be a guy who could lead them to Championships. Over his time there, he averaged 27 points and 12.5 rebounds per game on 58% shooting. He wasn’t even 25 by the time he left to join the Lakers.
The rest, of course, is history. He would link up with Kobe Bryant to win three straight titles and form the greatest one-two punch in basketball history.
To Orlando’s credit, $20 million was a whole lot more back then than it is today. Still, there must be a deep sense of regret for that franchise. Had O’Neal stayed, he might’ve helped the Magic win multiple Championships.
Unfortunately, we’ll never get the chance to find out.
