O'Neal Not On the Trading Block

MIAMI - The Miami Heat, beaten in the first round of the playoffs by the Chicago Bulls, said on Wednesday they will not trade center Shaquille O'Neal.

"Amongst growing speculation in the media, in reference to Shaq, I want to set the record straight and say that we are not trading Shaq," coach Pat Riley said in a statement.

Miami won the championship last season but were swept by the Bulls in four straight this year, sparking speculation that O'Neal was on the trading block.

A 14-times All-Star, the 7-foot-1 O'Neal averaged a career-low 17.3 points per game this year but was sidelined for more than half the season with a variety of injuries.