It was as if the big man had mentally packed his bags and was waiting to hear of his new destination (an idea he has refuted recently, saying he was the Heat's "scapegoat''). In the meantime, his presence had become a distraction in the locker room. Stories of his disinterested behavior in practice and him making negative comments about teammates while on the bench during games (yes, even comments about Dwyane Wade) were circulating before his exit.
So it probably didn't come as much of a surprise to Heat front-office members that O'Neal's agent called Riley asking for a buyout. This came after Riley had assured the media and O'Neal that the team wasn't attempting to trade him. Dallas had called the Heat inquiring about O'Neal, yes, but Riley wasn't about to take what the Mavs were offering.
