Raps close to getting O'Neal?

[MapleLeaf]

From sportsnet.ca

Sportsnet.ca - The Raptors are working on a blockbuster trade that would see the Indiana Pacers send Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto in exchange for package that would include T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic according to a Toronto newspaper.

Citing league sources, the Toronto Star reported Monday that the package may also include the Raptors 17th pick in this week's NBA draft.

Last season, the 29-year old O'Neal averaged 13.6 PPG and 6.8 REB in 42 games, while Ford averaged 12.1 PPG and Nesterovic 7.8 PPG in 51 and 71 games respectively.

More details to follow.

 

[MapleLeaf]

From realgm.com

According to league sources, the Raptors and Pacers have discussed a trade where Jermaine O’Neal would be shipped for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nestervoic, and, perhaps, the 17th pick in this week’s draft.

A trade is not imminent, but a source said the Raptors are aggressively trying to move Ford, and O’Neal is one of their targets.

Toronto also still has serious interest in forward Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns and is in talks with at least three other teams for trades of a similar magnitude.

 

[dez]

Bosh and O'Neal could be a dangerous duo... as long as O'Neal can stay healthy.

This would be a good move for the Raptors, it would finally give them a reliable 2nd option behind Bosh. As for the Pacers, i would want more then Nesterovic and Ford.

 

[bulls12]

JO and Bosh? Wow.

 

[MapleLeaf]

Yes JO - Bosh, add in CAlderon dishing the ball. With shooters like Bargnani and Parker with slashers like Moon.

I really like this trade for the Raptors.

 

[Mexi]

and Indy gets a nice PG, an expiring contract, another pick
try to trade Tinsley
i guess thats the best Indy could get for JO
they should've traded him last summer

 

[FLIP!]

LOLs

 

[elcheato]

So the Raptors trade Ford and a pick for nothing? It's not like Jermaine O'Neal is going to stay healthy, proven he can't do it. Maybe he may be able to stay healthy but I doubt it. He's getting up there in age and who knows how worn down his body is. He wouldn't be much of a second option, in my opinion..

 

[.GR]

I think the Raps are better off trading Ford for Artest.

 

[DJT]

Well if this trade goes down, I'd say its a win win. Indy gets a PG that they need, which would probably mean they won't pick DJ Augustin with the 11th pick. And Toronto gets another big dominant guy inside. Most of Toronto's big guys are outside shooting foreign type.

 

[bulls12]

The Pacers can die. :lol:

 

[.GR]

Oh dang. This would be great for the Kings because DJ is off of one teams list.

 

[Dice-J]

The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors have held discussions about a possible trade involving Jermaine O'Neal and T.J. Ford, according to reports in the Indianapolis Star and the Toronto Star.



The Raptors -- eager to move an unhappy Ford and make Jose Calderon their starting point guard -- also would include center Rasho Nesterovic and possibly their first-round pick in Thursday's draft, both newspapers reported.



One sticking point might be O'Neal's health. He played in 42 games last season because of a left knee injury, though Pacers officials said recently that O'Neal is healthy, according to the Indianapolis Star.



O'Neal, a six-time All-Star, averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds a game last season, and is currently working out in Las Vegas.



A second issue might be the financial burden O'Neal poses. He is set to make $21 million this season and $23 million in 2009-10.



Multiple reports surfaced this past weekend about a possible trade that would have the Raptors sending Ford and their first-round pick (No. 17 overall) to the Phoenix Suns for forward Boris Diaw.

Heres what it says about the deal on ESPN.com

 

[RipCity32]

This would be huge for the Raptors.

JO + Bosh = Finals contenders?

 

[elcheato]

This would be huge for the Raptors.

JO + Bosh = Finals contenders?

I doubt it, considering O'Neal is older now and injury prone... Who says if he even lasts to the playoffs.

 

[RipCity32]

Well yeah, that's assuming he does stay healthy.

Calderon-Parker-Moon-Bosh-O'Neal

That's a nice line-up IMO.