Trade talks between the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers have surfaced pertaining a deal that involves much-maligned Raptor point guard TJ Ford for injury-riddled Jermaine O'Neal.
The cumulative deal would send Ford, center Rasho Nestorovic, and the Raptors first round pick to Indiana for O'Neal.
The Raptors are reluctant to pull the trigger due to two concerns. O'Neal is owed a whopping $44 million in the next two years and that would essentially cripple the Raptors cap space.
Also, committing to O'Neal for the next two years is risky as well given his recent injuries.
In his last four seasons with the Pacers, 29-year-old O'Neal has only averaged 51 games a season.
He is coming off of a left knee injury that limited his production last year as he posted only 13 points a game and Indiana missed the playoffs by one game.
But despite these risks, the Raptors will most likely give the green light.
Combining Chris Bosh and O'Neal would strengthen the front-court along with budding youngster Andrea Bargnani, which makes the Raptors instant contenders for the Eastern Conference.
For the Pacers, the lightning-quick Ford is only 25 and would fill the team's need for a PG.
It is possible that the Pacers may hold onto O'Neal and draft PG DJ Augustin with the 11th pick in the NBA Draft to supplant Jamaal Tinsley and Travis Diener, making a deal for Ford unnecessary.
Or they could deal O'Neal and draft a big man such as Kosta Koufos to fill O'Neal's void.
Either way, I believe that if the Raptors can get this deal done, they can go head-to-head with anyone in the East.
Having a star-caliber player such as O'Neal will give franchise player Chris Bosh some breathing space from the double teams.
Only time will tell if the Raptors can corral O'Neal and begin their ascent in the East.
5 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Sean Stancill about 1 year ago
Considering the fact that the Indiana Pacers, habe the 11th pick why would they need T.J. Ford?
With that 11th pick, the move that seems to make sense is D.J. Augustin who plays the game at a similar rate than Ford, and has no major history of chronic injuries unlike T.J.
The only downside is D.J is not as quick'
Then again, I can also understand the Pacers wanting two draft picks in the Top 20;which could really set a team up for the future.
Also, The Raptors get a major boost with Jermaine O'Neal
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Bobby Johnson about 1 year ago
I agree, the Pacers realize that they need to start a rebuilding stage and that starts with this year. Even though they finished only a game out, they were quite mediocre at times and young blood is whats needed.
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Bobby Johnson about 1 year ago
It is very possible that DJ would be off the board by the 11th pick
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Micah Secor about 1 year ago
I think that the only thing holding this deal back is the Raptors throwing in another player due to money reasons
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Micah Secor about 1 year ago
Thanks to all the readers for choosing my article to read. Someone else essentially copied the same headline as me and posted it after mine. So thanks for choosing the right one.
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