Jermaine O’Neal Traded to Toronto

Posted by HoopsAvenue on June 26, 2008 under Indiana Pacers, NBA Draft, Toronto Raptors | 2 Comments to Read

According to ESPN,

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.

More players will be involved ultimately to match salaries and the trade can’t actually go down until July 9th because of Ford‘s contract situation, but let’s break it down.  O’Neal only played half a season last year due to injuries and he wasn’t as productive as he has been in the past.  He only averaged 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds.  The Raptors are obviously hoping he bounces back and puts up about 18 and 8 which he had been capable of.  So, it’s a risky move for Toronto, but it’s no safe bet for Indiana either as Ford is also injury prone.  Ford, though, when healthy, is a solid point which is what Indiana was looking for in the draft anyways.  Now, Indiana has the opportunity to draft another position in tonight’s draft while crossing their fingers that Ford stays healthy next season.

Basically, here’s how it breaks down for Toronto:

• Pros: If Jermaine O’Neal returns to something resembling his all-star form, the Raptors immediately have one of the best frontcourts in the league with JO and Chris Bosh.  Jose Calderon has shown he can be a solid PG too so the Raps could do some damage in the East.
• Cons: If JO doesn’t work out, Toronto is left with his big ol’ contract for the next two seasons and a team that won’t contend.

For Indiana, it’s a little bit less risky

• Pros: They pick up the 11th and 17th picks in the draft, a decent center in Nesterovic and a good PG in Ford if he remains healthy.
• Cons: Well, if Ford gets hurt again and O’Neal is a star again the Pacers will regret it.

All in all, the trade seems to favor Indiana as they’re acquiring some draft picks to possibly turn their franchise into a contender in a few years.  It’s a safer, long term plan.  Toronto, on the other hand, is putting a lot of chips down on O’Neal who is unlikely to be enough to advance far in the playoffs even if he has a great season.

Who do you think got the better of this deal?