Photo. HillThe Gasol deal clearly ignited a superstar trade furor - first the Shaq deal and now there are columns today in Cleveland and New York/New Jersey-area papers about how LeBron’s asking for immediate help and how the Nets are still entrenched in potential deal-making with Jason Kidd.
One guy no one has really talked about being moved before the Feb. 21st deadline is Jermain O’Neal. A lot of that obviously has to do with the fact he hasn’t been healthy all season (he’s missed nine straight games with a knee injury), but if he’s ever healthy, J.O. could be a huge piece for a contending team. It wasn’t that long ago that he was the big everyone thought was going to be dealt to L.A. to run with Kobe.
Today in the Indy Star, O’Neal says he has no doubt that he’ll return to form:
NEW YORK — Jermaine O’Neal isn’t asking for a trade from the Indiana Pacers. But he knows the business of the NBA and is ready for anything as the Feb. 21 trade deadline approaches.
“I have no doubt in myself,” O’Neal said after the Pacers’ 103-100 victory over New York at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
“I believe anywhere I go, once my knee is right, I’m going to get back to that (All-Star) level. Next year, wherever I’m at, whether it’s Indy or wherever else, I’m not going to miss the All-Star (Game) and my team is not going to be struggling.”
O’Neal missed his 10th straight game as he rehabilitates the left knee that was surgically repaired after last season. Coach Jim O’Brien said before the game the team expects O’Neal back after the All-Star break, which ends Feb. 20 for the Pacers, but neither he nor O’Neal offered a timetable for a return.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Bust Jlaze says:
Dude should fall back for the rest of the season. Next year, he’ll be back to the same ol’ J.O. and start beastin’ cats again.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:17 am
jnuh says:
I think O’Neal is on HGH.
Look at the size of that fucking melon.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:48 am
GEE...Shawn should point to his finger for the heat fans ...the middle says:
I think he would be a nice fit for New jers. Ind. got Tinsley though so they might have to do a three way with another team.
Now the NBA got me Trade greedy lol. First Gasol, then Shaq…come on Sterny give me one more good one before the deadline and I will be straight lol.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Myrie says:
Jermain O’Neal is a strong asset for Indy. He’s not done yet and can still average 17pts, 7rebs for 3 more years. The ideal spot for him would be (don’t laugh…) Houston Rockets.
That team needs some size. After Yo, they’re very thin on bigs. I admire Chuck Hayes, but he’s only 6′6 playing power forward. Indiana might even be able to get Tracy McGrady in return.
If not Houston, Chicago could use him. They need a low post scoring presence. Indy could move O’Neal and Jamaal Tinsley to the Bulls for Kirk Hinrich, Tyrus Thomas and another throw in.
And lastly….(you’ll laugh at this for sure)….
Seattle Sonics. They have a frontline that does not produce much consistently. Indy could get Jeff Green, Chris Wilcox and Luke Ridnour, throw in for O’Neal and Jamaal Tinsley.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
word says:
These trade talks are serious right now. I would love to see Kidd and Lebron together, that for real needs to happen NO MATTER what. Bron said its a guaranteed ring, but we’ll see how much those 2 can do on their own, and JO definitely should get to a better team too, he deserves a chance at a ring, but probably next year, hopefully he gets healthy permanently. And no comment on Sam Cassell, wasn’t he just flagrant fouling cats last night on the team he wants to go to so bad. hmm
February 7th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Brown says:
I think the team to watch is Milwaukee. They’ve got talented players, but are in desperate need of a shakeup, and their owner/GM said that none of their players are untouchable. I could see Charlie V, Mo Williams, Michael Redd and/or Desmond Mason being moved. I bet Redd wishes he’d signed with the Cavs now.
The Clippers should trade Corey Maggette. He can opt out of his deal this year and become an UFA, plus they just drafted his replacement in Al Thornton. I’ve always liked Maggette’s game, mostly because he uses his body to get in the lane and draw fouls, which a lot of swingmen don’t do any more, or at least not as well as he does.
Sacramento should look to rebuild. They have some talent, and even though they’re slightly overpaid, some teams may take a flyer on Bibby or Brad Miller. I doubt they’ll make any moves this year, but they’ll have a number of expiring contracts over the next couple years, so they’ll need to make some moves at some point.
Indiana needs to make some moves, but they’re stuck with some really bad contracts, so it will likely take them years to get out from under those.
I honestly doubt we’ll see any more mega-deals, but some smaller ones could be made.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Three Stacks says:
Any way Miami pulls off another deal before the deadline? ESPN’s Trade Machine says a deal for Kidd sending Jason Williams, Ricky Davis, and Smush Parker(about 16 million in expiring contracts) would work, in theory. A team with D-Wade, Matrix, and Kidd could more than contend in the East, I think…
February 7th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Celts Fan says:
Definitely could, but it’s too short-term and definitely makes them good enough to get out of the bottom of the lottery and NOT get Derrick Rose or whoever would be their pick, and their still not good enough to win a ring with just those 3, so I don’t see them doing it (as oppsed to just letting those deals expire, using that $$$ to get Marion his extension) and grabbing up a highly-touted rookie as their running-mate…