Shaquille O’Neal, after being traded from the LA Lakers, made Miami his home. Partnering with Dwayne Wade, he led the Miami Heat for four great seasons, winning the 2006 NBA championship. The big man was a big brother to younger players and an inspiration in the lockers. Shaq’s time with the Heat, however, came to a head due to his infamous conflict with coach, Pat Riley.

Wade recently shared an Instagram story that was originally posted on the notyouraverage_nba channel. In the clip, Shaq, Coach Riley, and a few other players are discussing the big man’s situation, and how the gavel landed on the decision to trade Shaq.

The origins of the conflict between Shaquille O’Neal and Pat Riley

The story behind the beef was featured in the HBO Max docuseries, “SHAQ”. Throughout his career, the 4-time NBA champion ran afoul of a few controversies, but none of them came close to his confrontation with Riley.

Riley is still widely considered one of the best NBA coaches of all time. Sometimes, however, things aren’t meant to be and such was the fate of his relationship with Shaq. He revealed during the documentary, “If I wanted to send a message to any player, I would always bring it up in front of the team. So this is the way you get the real truth out. And then, if there’s other people who disagree with me, come out!”

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Shaq, in trying to protect rookies like Jason Williams and Dwayne Wade from injury, confronted him, “You’re the senate, but I’m the President. Don’t challenge me Mr. Senator man. Oh, you want to be the big man? you get out. Motherf***er put me out. Some people don’t like to be challenged. Me included.”

Perhaps, the only reason it didn’t come to blows was Alonzo Mourning separating them, and advising Shaq, “Shaq, don’t do it.”

Shaq learns about being traded

Getting traded might have left an impact on Shaq, but the way he learned about it was perhaps worse. As he was coming back to the team after an MRI in 2007, his wife contacted him and informed him of his trade to the Phoenix Suns. He even tried to get back into the facility but wasn’t let in.

Shaq’s career was in decline before being traded to Phoenix, but after he seemed to have lost his fire. He no longer had the solid partnership he’s enjoyed with Wade and he was in pain all the time due to injury.

But all’s well that ends well. The 51-year-old is now retired but still as busy as he was when he was playing. He’s got his hands in many pies – from business to endorsements and TV appearances.

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