Nets talk to Pacers about Carter for O'Neal

[Big Bid'Ness]

From:The Record/RealGM

Acquiring All-Star power forward Jermaine O'Neal remains a possibility for the Nets, but could cost them their own All-Star, Vince Carter.

The Nets and Pacers, who discussed a multiplayer swap involving O'Neal in June, renewed talks recently, according to league sources familiar with the conversations.

The new proposal would send Carter, Marcus Williams and Jamaal Magloire to Indiana for O'Neal. But O'Neal has a bone bruise in his knee that will sideline him at least two weeks.

Nothing is imminent, though, as O'Neal's health and $64 million salary through the 2009-10 season are real deterrents for the Nets.

In June, the Pacers wanted Richard Jefferson – provided they found a third team to take him -- Williams and Nenad Krstic for O'Neal. The Nets countered by removing Krstic and adding Jason Collins and Indiana declined.

The recent proposal seems riskier for the Nets.

Carter has been inconsistent since signing his four-year, $61.8 million deal in July. But the Nets would be giving up their go-to guy and best and most clutch shooter for a big man with knee issues and arguably enduring his worst season in seven years.

Plus, the Nets would become a luxury tax-paying team. O'Neal, 29, makes $19.7 million this season. The Nets would rather have Indiana take Collins (two years, $12.3 million) instead of Magloire (one year, $4 million) to alleviate the luxury-tax hit. But the Pacers don't want Collins.

Another possible glitch is Nets owner Bruce Ratner's affinity for Carter. Ratner may not want to part with the shooting guard.

O'Neal, who is averaging 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds, is a post presence -- when healthy -- and teamed with Jason Kidd may make the Nets better equipped to play the Celtics, Pistons and Magic in the playoffs.

But the Nets likely would miss Carter's shooting, especially if O'Neal were to draw double teams in the post.

The Nets have to decide whether O'Neal, when healthy, makes them appreciably better and worth not only paying tax on, but giving up Carter.

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Acquiring All-Star power forward Jermaine O'Neal remains a possibility for the Nets, but could cost them their own All-Star, Vince Carter.

The Nets and Pacers, who discussed a multiplayer swap involving O'Neal in June, renewed talks recently, according to league sources familiar with the conversations.

The new proposal would send Carter, Marcus Williams and Jamaal Magloire to Indiana for O'Neal. But O'Neal has a bone bruise in his knee that will sideline him at least two weeks.


Nothing is imminent, though, as O'Neal's health and $64 million salary through the 2009-10 season are real deterrents for the Nets.

In June, the Pacers wanted Richard Jefferson – provided they found a third team to take him -- Williams and Nenad Krstic for O'Neal. The Nets countered by removing Krstic and adding Jason Collins and Indiana declined.

The recent proposal seems riskier for the Nets.

Carter has been inconsistent since signing his four-year, $61.8 million deal in July. But the Nets would be giving up their go-to guy and best and most clutch shooter for a big man with knee issues and arguably enduring his worst season in seven years.

Plus, the Nets would become a luxury tax-paying team. O'Neal, 29, makes $19.7 million this season. The Nets would rather have Indiana take Collins (two years, $12.3 million) instead of Magloire (one year, $4 million) to alleviate the luxury-tax hit. But the Pacers don't want Collins.

Another possible glitch is Nets owner Bruce Ratner's affinity for Carter. Ratner may not want to part with the shooting guard.

O'Neal, who is averaging 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds, is a post presence -- when healthy -- and teamed with Jason Kidd may make the Nets better equipped to play the Celtics, Pistons and Magic in the playoffs.

But the Nets likely would miss Carter's shooting, especially if O'Neal were to draw double teams in the post.

The Nets have to decide whether O'Neal, when healthy, makes them appreciably better and worth not only paying tax on, but giving up Carter.

 

[.GR]

Doubt it will happen. Why not keep Carter since he's signed long term?

 

[Pugz]

If I was Indiand I would do it..Well the 3 or 4 offers I read I would.
But the Nets I don't know they get an old JO(who is now injury prone) and thats it but they give up a lot.

 

[X-Factor]

interesting......

Is VC having a bad year or is RJ having a great year?

 

[Mexi]

i'd do it...

 

[DJT]

Probably a little of both.

But JO and VC are on a downward slope lately.