While the Phoenix Suns raised eyebrows by trading for seemingly over-the-hill Shaquille O'Neal, many inside the Wizards' locker room believe Phoenix G.M. Steve Kerr made a move that will win him the championship either this year or next year.

Gilbert Arenas and DeShawn Stevenson expect Shaq -- slowed recently by a hip injury -- to make a miraculous recovery and start contributing right away. Arenas pointed out that the trade allows Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire to move back to his natural position of power forward, and with all the Suns' shooters, opposing team's won't be able to double team the Diesel. The Wizards believe that with Shaq, the Suns will give something they've never had -- a legitimate post-up threat.

The way the Wizards see it, although Shaq is averaging a career-low 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds, it's likely his numbers will increase now that O'Neal is on a team that has more weapons than just himself and Dwyane Wade; opponents won't have the luxury of double-teaming him all the time without paying dearly for it. Arenas envisions the Suns abandoning their run-and-gun game when Shaq's in the game and opening things up by dumping the ball into the paint, which will force opponents to crash to the paint. Shaq, a pretty solid passer, will then be able to find an open opponent on the perimeter and zip the ball to him for an easy shot.

-- Mike Jones