J O'Neal #11, #41 for #3, Walker, Jaric?

[shrink]

I saw this post on the trade board from a pacer fan. JO makes $21.4 mil this year, and $23 mil next season. The first he has an early termination option, and a full player option in the second. Thoughts?

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=791057

Pacers send JO, #11 and #41 to Minny.
Minny sends Jaric, Walker and #3.

Pacers do this to upgrade PG, SF and move up in draft. If they can package that pick along with Murphy, they may be able to get Rose and filler. This would mean an upgrade at both guard spots and expiring SF that knows the coach's system.

Minny does this to complement Jefferson, fall off in talent after 1 and 2 means 3 may not be worth it if they can get a complementing big. Non guaranteed contract for 2nd rounder still keeps them clear financially.

I doubt that Minny would do it and I know every Pacer fan hates the trades I propose, but something has got to happen. Seriously, this roster needs a changing and it seems to me that most of the fans value JO more than what he is truly worth at this point.

Anyway, let the blasting begin.

[B Calrissian]

I don't think JO would want to stay here so I would not do this trade. However if he came out and said he would love to play next to Big Al or something like that I might change my mind. Also, would we really need 3 second round picks? I guess we might be able to trade all of them for a late first.

[kandiking]

imagine JO's contract in practically 100% luxury tax.

[Tekkenlaw]

I rather have Mayo.

[4ho5ive]

If we can get an outsider doctor's opinion that says he will be 100% this forthcoming season AND our pick fell to 4-6, then I would consider it. Im not giving up Mayo and any cap room we might have for JO. I like him, and I love him for our team....3 years ago, now? I dont know.

[the_bruce]

The thing about trading for a huge contract like JO is that it kind of preserves assets long term in the event he doesnt want to stay. Even this year JO while still not worth his huge contract would get paid pretty big money 10m/yr? He won't sign for the MLE, and most teams won't have capspace to sign him outright so a s&t would be inevitable if a team wanted him. So maybe he plays a year here and lights it up and gets back the wolves something decent in a s&t.

Of course this makes the wolves fall out of the main players discussed in our various threads.

Mayo, Randolph, Gallinari, and Love.

...but MN is one of the few teams where Randolph, Gallinari, and love fill a need, and its even reflected in Chad Ford's mocks. So it's possible that we could do this trade and end up with a player we like....an interesting idea I guess if we dont mind throwing away a shot at a potential superstar like mayo.

[C.lupus]

With all the discussion on this board about the NBA being a superstar league and how the wolves need a superstar, why would they do this? They would be trading away a potential superstar for another role player and future cap space. Doesn't make sense to me.

[shrink]

With all the discussion on this board about the NBA being a superstar league and how the wolves need a superstar, why would they do this? They would be trading away a potential superstar for another role player and future cap space. Doesn't make sense to me.

I think this trade parallels my desire to get a superstar. I'd never do it for the #1 or #2, and I'd probably be fine with the #4. The #3 is the one that makes it a tough call for me. We get some insurance by moving Jaric's contract, but I agree -- we have to consider what Jermaine would do here.

[the_bruce]

I think we are all forgetting a few things about JO.

Prior to this season you wouldnt be able to pry JO from Pacers cold dead hands. His value has fallen remarkabley due to this season performance and the fact that his contract is so large and he isnt locked up for that many years. His value can only go up post trade...

Ray Allen got the #7 last year. What does a healthy defensive JO get when he is locked up to a 5 year contract that isnt worth 20m a year? He could very well return a pick in the 5-10 range upon that happening.


....Also don't forget NYK as a facilitator. With a new coach wanting some players to fit his system I could see them wheeling and dealing here. imo JO would be a great fit for his system. I think fans are underestimating the moves he will make in order to get the types of players he wants. I'm sure he'd jump all over JO + Dunleavy for #5+ Marbury. I'm pretty sure theres other players in the league he wouldnt be adverse to taking on which are viewed as negatives and he could probably get them dirt cheap. A Guya like Jaric would thrive in that system...etc

I expect to be stunned on draft day by NYK.

[revprodeji]

I could see him being moved, but I do not like this deal for us. JO is not the player he was otherwise he would not be moved to move up in the draft. The contract is nasty and I do not want the influence of someone disgrunted.

[karch34]

I agree with Rev. If he was healthy and had a good attitude he'd be a good fit, even at a rather hefty price. That said he hasn't been healthy and has had a bad attitude. I also think he's not a dominant player anymore even when healthy, but maybe he pulls a Vince Carter and plays inspired after being traded.

I wouldn't be against trading out of any pick that isn't 1 or 2 for someone who's a star, but not sure if that's JO anymore.

[TheFranchise21]

I'd take my chances on Mayo rather than O'Neal's bum knee(s).