You might be wondering why Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal was seen out and about in Rockwall County last week.
Well, Shaq may be putting the finishing touches on his new — shack. The NBA legend and TNT commentator appears to have added a second North Texas home to his growing portfolio.
The Chexy Trust, which has been associated with previous O’Neal real estate transactions across the country, purchased a 4,670-square-foot home in April, according to Rockwall County property records.
The six-bedroom, six-bathroom home is located in Heath, about 25 miles from downtown Dallas. Two real estate agents involved with the purchase did not confirm or deny whether O’Neal was the buyer.
Zac Gideo, who helped O’Neal purchase his Carrollton home in 2022, was listed as the buyer’s agent in this transaction. The same trust is listed as the Carrollton owner.
Attempts to contact O’Neal and his representatives before publication were unsuccessful.
Located in the Ridge Lakes neighborhood, the home was built in 2017. A previous listing described the Heath property as a “harmonious blend of contemporary modern Mediterranean architecture.” Some of the home’s more elegant features include the 500-square-foot guest house and a saltwater pool complete with a waterfall.
The sales price wasn’t disclosed, but the home’s asking price was just shy of $2.3 million.
Perhaps this recent purchase is why O’Neal was seen at various locations in Rockwall last week. Photos and video footage of O’Neal at Walmart, Home Depot and chicken finger restaurant Raising Cane’s appeared on social media before the July Fourth holiday.
Such a cool experience. My son and I stopped at @raisingcanes in Rockwall Texas. I turnaround from ordering and I say oh “Your Shaq” I’m glad I wore my @Gruntstyle shirt. My son was so pumped thanks @SHAQ you made his day pic.twitter.com/Xzpxx5rvOw
— RG | Mac_House (@Mac_House21) July 1, 2024
It’s unclear what plans O’Neal may have for the new house.
His Carrollton home is used as a part-time residence. The expansion of O’Neal’s Big Chicken chain restaurant was previously cited as a factor for buying in the area.
O’Neal told The Dallas Morning News in 2023 that he visited the city often as a youngster when his family lived in San Antonio. The scenery, the land and the people made him fall in love with Dallas, he said.
“Dallas is my midway point when I have to go do business on the West Coast,” he told The News. “So, like, I got to do business on the West Coast in two weeks. I’m going to just go stay in Dallas for about a week and just get some rest.”
Shaq will have company among NBA legends in Rockwall County. Former Maverick Shawn “Matrix” Marion also has a home in Rockwall.
