Phoenix ? The Phoenix Suns acquired Shaquille O’Neal in a stunning, blockbuster deal that sent four-time All-Star Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat.

The improbable pairing of the speedy Suns and the slow but once-mighty O’Neal became official when he cleared a physical exam Wednesday.

O’Neal didn’t talk to reporters, but he received a loud, long standing ovation when introduced on the big screen while watching the New Orleans-Phoenix game from a suite at US Airways Center on Wednesday night.

First, he stood to acknowledge the cheers with both arms open. He sat down again, but as the cheers continued, he got up once more. He pointed to the NBA championship ring he was wearing, then gave a thumbs up. The crowd went wild.

The trade, a dramatic move by first-year Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr, signals an unexpected change in philosophy for the Suns, adding a 7-foot-1, 325-pound center who has won four NBA championships but has been plagued by injuries in recent years and will turn 36 next month.

O’Neal has been out because of a hip injury and underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday in Miami. He flew to Phoenix on Wednesday for the physical.

“I’m well aware that I’m on the line,” Kerr told the Associated Press. “That’s my job. That’s why I’m sitting in this seat. I’m comfortable with the decision. I think it gives us a better chance to win, and a better chance to win in the playoffs.”

The Suns’ Amare Stoudemire is a friend of O’Neal and talked to him about his new team.

“He says he’s ready to roll,” Stoudemire said. “Whatever he needs to do he’s going to be down for it, and he wants to win a championship, so we’re on the same page.”

Suns coach Mike D’Antoni said he was wholly in favor of the trade.

“It just makes us better,” he said.

The coach is well aware of widespread criticism of the deal because of a belief that Shaq no longer is a formidable player.

“I think you’re wrong,” D’Antoni said. “He is not going to come to Phoenix and lay an egg. He is focused and ready to roll. He wants to show the pundits that this was a great trade.”

O’Neal has averaged 25.6 points and 11.5 rebounds in 16 seasons.