The Latest Sam Smith Trade Idea: Shaq to the Mavs

Yesterday, we told you about Smith's Jermaine O'neal to the Knicks trade scenario. Today, we bring you Smith's latest brilliant idea: Shaquille O'neal to the Mavs.

In losing to the Warriors in the first round, it seemed clear what the Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki most needed was someone to take the pressure off. Could Shaq be that guy?

Would Dallas panic and take a last shot with Shaq? Maybe for Erick Dampier, Devin Harris and a sign-and-trade with Jerry Stackhouse to give the Heat some life again? It does seem farfetched. But it has been a half-century since both finalists from the previous year went out in the first round. And it didn't look like either could win.

From now on, I'm going to play a game where I try to guess which crazy trade idea Sam Smith will come up with next for his column: How about Allen Iverson to the Knicks this summer? Isiah isn't afraid to spend the money, A.I. is a huge star, and the Knicks have a bunch of assets to send Denver's way. Or maybe, Kobe Bryant could go to the Celtics. Just imagine him and Durant together. Can you spell championship?!

Ooh, I got an even better one: Michael Jordan goes to the Pistons as part of an 8-player blockbuster deal! I know he hasn't played in an eternity and is woefully out of shape, but crazier things have happened. I mean, did you ever think a 67-win team would lose in the first round of the Playoffs?

This is fun. Feel free to play along in the comments.