I totally disagree, its not about the money. Some of the superstardom in the past paved the way for the newer generation to make money.
This was about pride & ego... Shaq & TNT got exactly what they wanted which was a click bait soundbite. There was no need for him to say that to Mitchell like that especially given how sensitive Shaq is. Mitchell handled that with class and made Shaq look even dumber.
And when did shaq become the authoritative figure head of big men when one can argue its a reach to even put him 8th or 9th all time and he the luxury of prime kobe/wade.. Not saying he wasn't great at some point in his career, but he was also selfish and very lazy and hes way too sensitive to throw stones at anyone...