At times, I have pondered the possibility that the Raptors would simply let O'Neal expire and try to target James themselves. Sadly, this just isn't realistically in the cards for the Raptors, or any other team not currently located within New York, Illinois, or California.
The Raptors can however do exactly what the Denver Nuggets did in their move to acquire Billups two days ago. They can trade a contract which is hopefully tied to a player who's a productive starter and, considering the timing, ask for much more than O'Neal the player is really worth.
The Raptors are in the odd situation of unintentionally helping a team which may end up being the team that makes Bosh an ex-Raptor. Hence, the earlier example of dealing for Josh Howard may not be the brightest move for the Raptors.
If they deal O'Neal next summer they'll have one year to convince Bosh that he should stick around and give up the fame and marketing potential of playing down south in his desired market.
If Bargnani develops, Bosh re-signs, and O'Neal nets the Raptors an attractive package, Toronto could be talking championship in 2009-2010.
The NBA is a business. O'Neal might find that out next summer, and hopefully Bosh doesn't teach the Raptors a similar lesson the summer after that.
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