NBA legend and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has planted many roots in the Dallas area as a business owner and is considering moving to Texas full-time.
O’Neal is familiar with the Lone Star State as he spent part of his childhood growing up in San Antonio.
In a recent sit-down with WFAA, O’Neal made it clear he likes what Dallas has to offer as a place to potentially call home.
“I’m 75% gonna move here full time,” Shaq said. “I have to see what’s going on with TNT next year, but based upon that, you’ll probably be seeing a lot more of me.
“People in Dallas have been very nice. I know about the Texas culture, but Dallas has been good to me.
“What I like about Dallas is it's a bunch of mini-Dallases. Legacy West, Frisco, Plano, Carrollton, Rockwall, where I live at. Fun place to be.”
Shaq is also intrigued about the future of the city’s local NBA franchise, the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks selected Duke phenom Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and as a former No.1 overall pick himself, O’Neal had some words of advice for the incoming rookie.
“Just take this time,” Shaq said. “The good thing about the NBA and our culture and Texas culture, they’re gonna give you room to breathe. First year, we wanna see what you do. Second year, we’re gonna be expecting something. After that, no more excuses.
They’re going to treat him right, they’re going to teach him what he needs to know. I look forward to watching him play.”
Between O’Neal’s flourishing business ventures across the metroplex and Dallas’ exciting sports scene, he seems ready to make North Texas home—and the city is sure to welcome the Big Diesel with open arms.