Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal reportedly told an Orlando, Fla. television station Wednesday that he will retire in two years, after his contract with the Suns ends.
O'Neal, 36, was traded to the Suns last season in a deal with the
Miami Heat. Forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks went to the Heat in the deal.
He averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per contest with the Suns in 28 regular season games.
O'Neal averaged 15.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in the Suns' five postseason games. Phoenix lost to the
San Antonio Spurs in five games.
The center told News 13 in Orlando that "my basketball career will be over in 735 days."
It is believed to be the first time he has been so specific about when he would end his NBA career.
He added that "I've always had things to fall back on."
O'Neal played collegiately at LSU. He entered the league with the Orlando Magic in the 1992-93 season.
He won three NBA titles with the
Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Heat.
O'Neal has averaged 25.2 points and 11.5 rebounds in his career.
