Shaq headed to Phoenix

The Phoenix Suns completed a blockbuster trade today with the Miami Heat for center Shaquille O’Neal in a deal that brings the aging center back to the Western Conference.

O’Neal is scoring a career-low 14.2 points and has been limited to 32 games because of an assortment of injuries, but once he passed his physical today, the deal was completed.

The Suns sent disgruntled forward Shawn Marion and backup point guard Marcus Banks to Miami.

The deal to acquire O’Neal, who helped guide the Lakers to three consecutive championships, contrasts with the fast-paced style offense of the Suns.

But O’Neal, when healthy, can add a beefy presence to the Suns’ lineup and help contend against the Lakers’ Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum and the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan.

The Lakers traded O’Neal to Miami on July 14, 2004 and he led Miami to its first NBA title, in 2006.

O’Neal, who turns 36 next month, has averaged 25.6 points and 11.5 rebounds in his 16-year career.

Marion averaged 18.4 points and 10 rebounds in his Suns career.

“We’re thrilled to add a player and person of Shaquille’s quality to our roster,” Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said in a statement.

“We thank Shawn and Marcus for their contributions to our team. Shawn in particular has been a tremendous player for this organization the past eight-and-a-half years and his impact both on and off the court in Phoenix will not be forgotten.”

The Suns have the best record in the West (34-14), but they have not played up to their own expectations. Their interior defense is among the NBA’s worst.

With O’Neal on the court, Amare Stoudemire can play his more natural power forward position.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

jonathan.abrams@latimes.com