The "what if" moment that changed every NBA team forever

Orlando Magic: What if the Magic hadn't low-balled Shaq?

In 1992, the Orlando Magic struck gold when they selected Shaquille O'Neal first overall and for four seasons, he turned the Magic into a team to watch. But in the summer of 1996, Shaq and the Magic were engaged in contract negotiations for his return. However, the Magic lowballed Shaq, which opened the door for the Los Angeles Lakers to come in with a strong offer that would make him the highest-paid player in the NBA.

He obviously took the offer and went on to win three straight championships and lead the Lakers to a fourth NBA Finals appearance during his eight seasons in Los Angeles. On the other hand, the Magic would struggle for the next eight seasons after being unable to build around an injured Penny Hardaway, and the Grant Hill-Tracy McGrady pairing never quite worked out. It took until 2004—8 years after Shaq left for the Magic—to get another franchise player, Dwight Howard.

But had they not lowballed Shaq, he probably would have never left, and he has repeatedly said that he regretted leaving. The Magic sure wish that they hadn't given him a reason to, and had they not, Orlando would probably have a couple of championships to show for it.