This season’s trade deadline witnessed some exciting changes being made by many teams on their rosters. Many experts believe that the front-running winners of the trade deadline this season are the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. While the Lakers ended up making a handful of changes, the Suns managed to land Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in what is believed to be the biggest trade deal of the season, hours before the deadline on February 9. Recently, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal backtracked on his old prediction about Stephen Curry and co. after a former Golden State Warriors star joined the Suns. Moreover, Shaq also ended up making another prediction about Phoenix.

Back in August, Shaquille O’Neal claimed that Stephen Curry was ‘by far’ the best player in the world, months after the Warriors superstar won his fourth championship. Moreover, the 15-time All-Star also insisted that the Warriors would win the title again this season because nobody could beat Curry. Now, Shaquille O’Neal has recently put his money on the Suns with another wild prediction.

Shaquille O’Neal walks back on Stephen Curry prediction

In the recent edition of TNT’s Tip-Off show, Charles Barkley asserted that the two big winners in the trade deadline were the Suns and the Lakers. The 11-time All-Star also praised Lakers GM Rob Pelinka for some sensational last minute trades he had pulled off before the deadline.

Meanwhile, co-host Ernie Johnson asked Shaquille O’Neal about how the addition of Warriors legend Kevin Durant would enhance the chances of Phoenix winning the Western Conference title this season. In response, Shaquille O’Neal said, “On the paper, it definitely puts them in discussion. And, you know, in my opinion, it is a championship or a bust year.”

READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal Deals ‘Favorite Player’ Stephen Curry and the Warriors a Harsh Reality Check

The four-time NBA champ agreed with Barkley that the Suns had made a great move by acquiring Kevin Durant, who had won two championships alongside Stephen Curry at the Warriors. Moreover, he also predicted that it could be a championship-winning season for Phoenix.

How did the Suns acquire KD?

The Phoenix Suns pulled off a sensational trade involving Kevin Durant, which many experts believe to be a championship-winning move. In exchange for Durant, the Suns gave up Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks and additional draft compensation to the Brooklyn Nets.

With the presence of players like KD, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton, among others, the Suns might have a real shot at winning the championship this season. Can Phoenix win the championship this season? Let us know in the comments below!

Watch this story- Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and other NBA stars having most games with 10 three pointers