Shaq Claims to Have Turned Down More Money From Hawks, Pistons

Many were surprised when Shaquille O'Neal, long a proud, proud superstar, agreed this summer to subjugate himself not only in a pecking order by joining the Celtics, a professed team of equals, but also by taking an ego hit in his pocketbook, signing a minimum value contract.

Of course, O'Neal is at the end of his career, preparing his ride into the twilight, hoping to finish with more titles than Kobe Bryant (who is one ahead) and/or Tim Duncan (knotted at four). The Celtics provide a better opportunity than most suitors would, or at least in comparison with suitors who would agree to bring Shaq back. (The Heat and Lakers need not apply.)

But did Shaq actually have high-dollar options out there? We know Shaq flirted with the Atlanta Hawks -- FanHouse's own Tim Povtak reported that the team offered O'Neal a two-year deal starting at the mid-level exception. FanHouse's Chris Tomasson later reported that after signing Joe Johnson, the Hawks were reticent to cross the luxury tax threshold, and thus had ruled a money-hunting Shaq out.

Also: Shaq Rips Mo Williams, Surprising No One

In a weekend interview with John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, O'Neal says he turned down $8 million from Atlanta to join the Celtics. But one other team also offered that much cash, according to Shaq: the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are not considered championship contenders, and could even be said to be considered an unlikely playoff contender. At center, the team has rookie Greg Monroe and wily veteran Ben Wallace, whom the team re-signed this summer.

O'Neal would have helped the team's depth there and potentially allowed Monroe to play more power forward, where he might be better suited. But Shaq is not the difference between the ninth spot in the East and a conference finals berth. He simply wouldn't make sense there, or anywhere that a title isn't a real possibility.

So while on Shaq's tombstone it may read "Most Self-Aggrandizing Ever," let it never be said the man is impractical. He knew all money in Michigan couldn't buy him another championship ring, and he adjusted his summer plans accordingly. (And by publicizing this fact, he managed to remind everyone that someone out there thinks he's worth a lot of money, even if he'll make comparatively little next season.)