Jermaine O'Neal Heads South, Other NBA Musings

Raptors-Heat Trade

After only 41 games in a Toronto Raptors uniform, Jermaine O'Neal is on his way south after the Raptors agreed to send him, Jamario Moon, and a future first-round pick to the Miami Heat for Shawn Marion, Marcus Banks, and cash considerations.

At first glance, it's tough to say who really comes out on top in this deal. On the one hand, we know that Dwyane Wade is the most talented player that O'Neal will have ever played next to and will grant the big man ample space in the paint.

But O'Neal hasn't been the same player since a string of knee injuries, the first of which occurred in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons.

Also, the future first-round pick Miami received in the trade is lottery protected through 2015, so it is tough to say whether or not we can even factor that into the deal.

Meanwhile, the Raptors seem to have gotten a great small forward for their system. Marion is long, athletic, and a superior defender. His drawback is that he seems to have been a bit of a system guy in Phoenix. If Calderon can get him the ball in the open court, he can become a much more valuable asset.

Marion's contract is expiring at the end of this season and is valued at $17 million. I believe that it is doubtful that Marion will re-sign with Toronto, so this could be a blatant salary dump.

Right now, this deal is too close to call. I give the early edge to Toronto, assuming Marion can regain his "seven seconds or less" form.

If not, I think this will likely end up looking like the deal that sent Marion to Miami for Shaquille O'Neal a year ago. That deal was more or less pointless and ill-conceived by both teams.

The Amare Watch

A quick note: it appears that Suns GM Steve Kerr may have shown his hand a bit too early. A pair of rumored deals involving the Blazers and Grizzlies have both popped up, and both seem to suggest that Kerr was asking for far too much for the All-Star forward.

Kerr apparently wanted LaMarcus Aldridge and Jerryd Bayless from the Blazers, which prompted Portland to quickly bow out of the running.

And according to ESPN, Kerr apparently asked for an even more absurd package of Rudy Gay; Mike Conley, Jr.; and Hakim Warrick from the Grizzlies. If these reports are reliable, then it is possible that Kerr could have unrealistic expectations of Amare's value, and it becomes more likely that he will remain a Sun.

But even if he does, it appears the franchise still wants to make a drastic change. It is being reported that Suns coach Terry Porter could be fired as soon as Monday's practice.

The Pacers and The Dunkers

There doesn't appear to be any more news regarding the Indiana Pacers, but it is clear that they are actively shopping point guard Jamaal Tinsley.

However, getting rid of Tinsley and his contract is easier said than done. I truly hope that Bird will not allow an expiring deal go to waste.

If you're watching the All-Star festivities this year, then you are probably already as pumped as I am for the 2010 Slam Dunk Competition. LeBron James said during last night's competition that he will compete in the event next season.

Nate Robinson went with a kryptonite theme to defeat Dwight Howard in the finals. I hope to see both of them back next year to go head-to-head with LeBron.

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