First of all, notice that the Lakers and the Heat and the Magic and the Suns and the Cavs all passed on a guy who played for them before, even though they might have been able to have him at vets minimum salary and in a backup role.

What does that tell you?

If Danny wanted to go the Shaq route then he should’ve concentrated there instead of signing Jermaine.

Then he could’ve brought Shaq in at a price that would properly motivate him and with a clear path of playing time that would fit for Shaq even after Perkins returns.

But with Jermaine being the first choice, this value proposition is muddled.

One thing I can promise you. You don’t want Shaq under circumstances where there is a better than average chance that he will be unhappy with the arrangement.

Right or wrong, his ego hasn’t changed which is why he hasn’t signed with anyone this late.

Just like McGrady and his tryout comments in Chicago, Shaq is a guy who still thinks he’s capable of being the man in any situation and he’s never even come close to conceding that.

It’s a very, very poor fit for the Celtics at this late stage and it isn’t about the attributes or the needed skills that the guy could bring.

He isn’t going to be okay with a role of being the fourth or fifth BIG in Boston for no money when he knows he has at best 2 to 3 seasons left, whether he signs with Boston or not.

If he does sign, it’ll be because in his mind, he’s going to prove to everyone that he’s still the man. But he won’t succeed with that.

Boston aside, I would still love to have someone explain exactly what the value of this trade would bring to Cleveland?

They’ve already obtained the cap space from wiping Shaq off the books. What is the amazing value proposition and motivation for the Cavs to re-sign Shaq now so they can trade his paper to Boston in exchange for Wallace’s paper?

Throw in Moon, a player they aren’t necessarily all that motivated to move in the first place, all of which is intended to help the Celtics, the team who incidentally bounced the Cavs out of the playoffs a couple of months ago thus changing their destiny forever maybe;

What alternate universe would make this arrangement something that would compel Cleveland to the bargaining table?

In the immortal words of John McEnroe, “You cannot be serious!”

No matter how soon or well Perk is when he returns and how AWESOME his defense is, Shaq still (even at 38) is a better rebounder and post scorer. Those are two things that the C’s don’t have and will need this year.

Second the Lakers just signed Matt Barnes as the insurance they need since it looks like Luke Walton may have to retire with his chronic back problems.

And third, what on earth would they want with Wallace’s contract? The Lakers are trying to 3-peat. Not unload cap space.

Nobody gives up value for a future mediocre, non lottery, back-end of the first round, draft pick.

Nobody gives up value for “D” leaguers who might wind up on your roster at the end of your bench.

Nobody gives up value for an over the hill player’s contract who hasn’t decided if he’s going to retire.

Even if you combined these assets, they aren’t treasured assets except perhaps to Celtic fans. These are assets that a team with a quality wing they’re willing to trade, could get anywhere from anybody without hardly even trying, much less surrendering that quality to the defending Eastern Conference Champs out of the kindness of their heart.

Helping the Celtics at their expense is the last thing they want to do.

For these reasons, you might consider cutting your GM a little slack while being a little less disappointed and a little more realistic.

Just something to think about.