Rumor: Raptors going for J. O'Neal, Diaw

[Alejandrov011]

I saw the link on NBA.com so it could be true in this days...


The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors have held discussions about a possible trade involving Jermaine O'Neal and T.J. Ford, according to reports in the Indianapolis Star and the Toronto Star.

The Raptors -- eager to move an unhappy Ford and make Jose Calderon their starting point guard -- also would include center Rasho Nesterovic and possibly their first-round pick in Thursday's draft, both newspapers reported.

One sticking point might be O'Neal's health. He played in 42 games last season because of a left knee injury, though Pacers officials said recently that O'Neal is healthy, according to the Indianapolis Star.

O'Neal, a six-time All-Star, averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds a game last season, and is currently working out in Las Vegas.

A second issue might be the financial burden O'Neal poses. He is set to make $21 million this season and $23 million in 2009-10.

Multiple reports surfaced this past weekend about a possible trade that would have the Raptors sending Ford and their first-round pick (No. 17 overall) to the Phoenix Suns for forward Boris Diaw.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3457325

[CKal]

I'd like Diaw on our team. Go away Ford.

And I am surprised that the Pacers are actually interested in trading their key player for trash...

[Alejandrov011]

Yes...

Jermaine for Ford + 1st Pick is nothing to the pacers...


They should draft PF or C, or try to develope Ike Diogu... but i still don't like it

[Andrew]

Ford plus the pick for Diaw seems like the safer bet given O'Neal's recent injury problems. If he is healthy though, he and Bosh could make a formidable tandem. I'm guessing that Indiana would be more willing to make a deal as well, presumably Phoenix will want to hold onto Diaw.

[cyanide]

I think Bosh and O'Neal in the frontcourt with Calderon at the point, and the wings being long range shooters would make a deadly team. I'd go for it as I can't stand TJ, but knock on wood if O'Neal could be injury free.

[CKal]

I don't care. Even O'Neal is better than Ford AND Nesterovic. This might bring the home fans back to support their team, instead of um... Houston.

This might also be a hope for Toronto sports teams. What the hell are Blue Jays and Maple Loafs doing...

[benji]

I know the Truthers hate him, but I'd much rather have T.J. Ford and a first round pick than a 6-11 player who uses a ton of possessions to shoot jumpers at a 37% clip, no matter how good his defense is. Especially when I get Rasho to replace some of O'Neal's defense. I'd throw in Tinsley as a "bonus" for you taking O'Neal's windfall contract off my books.

[balozunite]

I think the Raptors are giving up too much if they give up the first for Diaw. Diaw won't give the Raptors anything. Even TJ Ford can create better shots than Diaw. The Raptors don't need a tall pg

I still think the Raptors should keep the first round pick and hope they get lucky

[CKal]

What the hell? Diaw a PG? Diaw is an SF. He shoots quite well and is a young player with high potential.

I prefer Diaw over O' Neal, and almost anyone over Ford. (Well, not Kwame Brown... and sorry Raptors fan...)

[NovU]

Too much risk on J Oneal. Oh yeah sure he has been an all star quality pf for some time, but he hasn't shown anything all star like recently. Especially with injury, I'd take Diaw trade over Oneal one anytime anywhere. It's not like toronto is losing much in trade, just pick and ford. Ford had to go anyways cuz of development of calderon and raptors don't really need 2 good pgs. And btw, it's hard to say ford > calderon cuz of injury issues and last year, calderon really stepped up so raptors is doing a right thing, keeping calderon. diaw will fit nicely in toronto's style of basketball. i can see that he'll bring speed and ball handling skills. remember when he used to record close to triple double almost every night. with less super stars around him, i think he can put up great numbers like he did back in those days. diaw could be a gamble but a certainly a good one and it sure looks more promising and affordable than j oneal. so toronto just needs to make it happen and land diaw. and as for Ford, he's better off in other city anyways. he won't have to fight as hard as in toronto for the starting spot.

[Lamrock]

lol Diaw plays every position but PG.

I like both trades for the Raptors. They sucked this year, and need a shake-up. The Diaw trade gets rid of their logjam at PG, and gives them yet another European. Don't like them giving up #17 though.

The Jermaine part is controversial, and will be just like the other O'Neal trade. With Garbo leaving and Bargs being a bust, they could use a guy to play Center. Sure, Bosh is a younger, better, healthier version of him, but they could form a formidable frontcourt.

That being said, I doubt either happens. If the Pacers pull the Jermaine thing off, they are making the playoffs this year.

[CKal]

I doubt if that happens as well. But I really want some sparks off my home teams... Maybe not, unless they got a steal in the draft or something.

[frAn]

i'd love to see jermaine leave the pacers, tinsley too.

[Skills]

I'd take the gamble and go for O'Neal. Him and Bosh could form a new twin towers in the NBA.
Diaw's a good player, but I hate to see Toronto give up their pick. I guess we'll just have to see what happens on draft night.

[Sauru]

personally i rather have diaw than oneal but not at the same cost. i think a player like diaw is great to have on any team but he cant be the number 1 or 2 option.

[Carmo]

Diaw actually did play PG for the Hawks on numerous occasions.

[Alejandrov011]

He was drafted by the Hawks to be their point guard, or their SG

[Abctest123]

Looks likely that O'Neal will be a Raptor soon:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Am9M2mQzbds7XWpazHJojVW8vLYF?slug=aw-jermaineonealtraded062508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

I have mixed feelings about this trade. Though on a side note, with all these rumours of Toronto trading one point guard, who the heck is the backup for the one that stays??

[buzzy]

Hm, if Jermaine will be healthy, I think that trade was golden for the Raps, since they also got rid of the PG problem. But, as Mofo said, there will be no backup for Jose.
And I think the Pacers got robbed. TJ Ford, Rasho, another role player and a late pick don't even a healthy Jermaine IMO ...

we'll see how that works out

[Lamrock]

Please happen. Big trades are always so fun. Indy will be pleased.

Backup PG's aren't exactly a rarity in the NBA. Toronto will be fine.

[Skills]

Ahh dang. So much for the hopes of getting DJ Augustin.
On the bright side.. we have a new twin towers!
As for the point guard situation, don't forget about Roko Ukic..
..who could possibly leave Europe and finally play with Toronto this season.

[ThaLiveKing]

I'm waiting on the news so I can go to the ACC and get my Jermaine Raptors Authentic Jersey

[Jing]

Just saw on the ticker while watching CWS that it's finalized.

Btw Fresno State going insane.

[Sauru]

yeah looks like the raps just landed oneal, gotta see who the pacers land at 17 before i can really rate it

[ixcuincle]

Appears to be done , pending physical.

On the eve of the NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers finally agreed to a trade.

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that the Pacers and the Raptors have agreed to a deal that, pending review of medical information, would send Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto in exchange for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic and the No. 17 pick in Thursday's NBA draft.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3461029