O'Neal trade is risky, but worth the risk

Today, the Indiana Pacers confirmed rumors and traded Jermaine O'Neal to the Toronto Raptors for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick of the draft, and a player to be named later.

There are lots of reasons not to make this trade: O'Neal is owed over $40 million the next two seasons and has had trouble even leaving the bench. He hasn't played in more than 70 games since the 03-04 season and missed 40 games last year. Even if he does come back and have a healthy year, it's doubtful that he'll return to his 24-point, 10-rebound self from 2005.

All that aside, the way you talk yourself into making this deal is simple if you're Toronto. First off, Ford and Nesterovic were completely dispensable. The Raptors already have a very solid point guard in Jose Calderon, and Nesterovic hardly played at all in the postseason. O'Neal is 30 years old and two years younger than Kevin Garnett, who just showed he still has a lot to give.

Before this trade, the Raptors were in no position to contend with the best teams in the East. In their last two trips to the playoffs, Toronto lost to Orlando and New Jersey, and let's face it, Orlando and New Jersey are miles away from Cleveland, Detroit, and Boston. This trade might not work out, but if Toronto hadn't made any move, there's no way they were going anywhere next year. Now if O'Neal can actually stay healthy, their front line will consist of Bargnani, Chris Bosh, and Jermaine O'Neal. In a conference where the 45-loss Hawks can make the playoffs, that might be good enough to get to the second round.

( inhistoric.com, this day in sports history)

Davis21wylieAll-Star

111 days ago

Score 1

Yeah, I think both teams are helped (or at least not hurt) by this deal. If you're Indy, you're dealing O'Neal anyway, and that package was actually better than I thought they could get for him -- Ford still has some upside if he's healthy. Meanwhile, Toronto had to get better defensively and had to add rebounding, both of which O'Neal adds when healthy. Both Ford and O'Neal are major injury risks, though, so the winner here will likely be the team whose new acquisition is able to stay in the lineup consistently.

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BigPPupMajor Leaguer

111 days ago

Score 1

I really like this trade. Indiana needs a change. O'Neal has not been the same since the Brawl in 04 and because of injuries he has been pretty much useless the last two years and needs a change of scenery to jump start his career. In return the Pacers get a good draft pick they can use to get a big, Hibbert, Powers,Lopez to rebuild with they also get T.J. who has moments where he plays very well when not injured. The Raptors are ready to win now and bringing in O'Neal with Bosh gives them one of the biggest frontlines in the Eastern conference which could be huge since the East does not have a lot of size on the whole.

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OneflydudeAll-American

111 days ago

Score 1

I like the trade for the Raptors. Pairing someone like O'Neal with Chris Bosh will give some teams trouble inside. But it will be interesting to see how Indiana handles the situation with Ford and Jamaal Tinsley.

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Davis21wylieAll-Star

111 days ago

Score 2

The only question regarding Tinsley is, who wants this guy anymore? A couple years ago he looked like he could be the real deal if he stayed healthy, but now his play has deteriorated (specifically, he's not the top defensive PG he used to be) and he's staying on the floor less than ever. Any takers?

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OneflydudeAll-American

111 days ago

Score 0

You're right about that. I don't think he has starting potential for any team in the league. He could play the back up role, but it'll be difficult for him to go back to the player he used to be.

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KelsdadAll-Star

111 days ago

Score 0

Looking for an investment opportunity? All of a sudden, Toronto strip clubs are a good bet....

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