After many different trade rumors about O'Neal leaving the Pacers organization, the Raptors and Pacers have come to terms to a trade.
The trade involves Indiana sending Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for a package of TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and the No. 17 selection in tomorrow's NBA Draft.
To complete this deal, the players must pass their physicals of course. But you might not know is that a player or two is needed to add to completethis trade on Toronto's side. Also, TJ Ford's contract makes him a "base-year compensation" player, which means that you cannot trade him until July 9th. So the trade won't be complete until then.
Both TJ Ford and Jermaine O'Neal have battled injuries throughout their careers, making them very risky trade bait.
We all knew that O'Neal was going to get traded sometime soon, but before this season, we didn't have a clue that TJ Ford would be dealt. In the middle of the season, Jose Calderon eventually become the favored starter, which meant TJ Ford would probably get traded. And the main reason Nesterovic was traded to Indiana was because of his expiring contract.
Anyway, the Pacers now have two first round selections, which they have wanted for quite some time. Now they can go after players such as Robin Lopez, Darrell Arthur, or any other big men that can come in and play right away.
Overall, I think this makes both of these teams better, ecspecially Toronto, who will pair up Bosh and O'Neal in the frontcourt, where they needed some help. Indiana also needed an up-tempo guard to control all the wings they have on their roster.
It isn't even draft night, and there has already been a blockbuster deal.
Ariel Meredith
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At least ONeals out of the Central...
Paddy26
Chicago , IL
Total Comments (2285)
Thanks for the news, Denis. Way to keep me updated today. haha
G.O.A.T. is back?
Scranton, PA
Total Comments (12359)
Wow, I had heard this move might happen and I think it's a stupid move. They have Bosh and Bargani (I don't know how to spell it) and they don't need another big man especially one that drop-kicks a fan. He's very overrated and I think I'd rather have Ford but it's over with and I have to say that Bird has made a good move in getting rid of O'Neal. Maybe the Pacers can turn it around and make the playoffs. What do you think, Denis?
Keeper | 06/25/08, 09:43 PM
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I think it's very possible Keeper, ecspecially with Dunleavy, Granger, and Ford all in the lineup. I don't think it will happen this season though. They just don't have enough talent.
Denis24
Total Comments (2679)
FINALLY!
(Cincy)
Jamestown, OH
Total Comments (10951)
If calderone remains consistant, and oneal is healthy, it looks like it will be a good move for the raps.
When I heard about the trade with Oneal, I slammed my fist on the dinner table and nodded attentively listening to the radio, as my girlfriend explained the painfull plans for the next day. So lets just say.. I already have a bad taste in my mouth over this trade.
The trade rumor for the Pistons R.Hamilton really caught my eye and got me excited. That being said, I think if O'neal pans out- it is a smart move and an interesting step for a new brand of Raptors Basketball.
AlexAlex416
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