AleksandarN
Starter
If O'Neil can stay healthy and that is a big if then Toronto can make some real noise next year. They would probably replace Detroit in the standings.
http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=241657&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main
T.J. Ford's time with the Toronto Raptors appears to be over.
According to several media reports, the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers have agreed in principle to a deal that would see Jermaine O'Neal join the Raptors in exchange for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and 17th pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Toronto would have to include one other player for salary cap purposes.
This trade was first broached earlier in the week. Both O'Neal (knee) and Ford (back/neck) have had significant health concerns in the past, and according the report, both sides required more time to exchange medical information and improve their comfort level with the trade.
However, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo spoke to the media Wednesday afternoon and noted that the Raptors are involved in "four or five" conversations regarding Ford.
"We're talking about a player in T.J. that's an asset, a starting point guard in the NBA," Colangelo said. "There's been a lot of interest, and teams that have called and inquired have not put deals on the table that have been insulting in any regard. In fact, it's pretty apparent that T.J.'s value is very high."
"We are holding our cards close to the vest right now as we need to. Some of the deals could make us significantly better."
O'Neal, a six-time all-star, is owed $44 million over the next two seasons. He played in just 42 games for the Pacers this past season and rumours have been rampant that the Pacers were looking to trade the forward.
Ford enjoyed an up-and-down career with the Toronto Raptors. He was acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks in June of 2006 and quickly signed to a four-year contract extension. At first glimpse, Ford appeared to be the answer to Raptors' much-maligned point guard problem.
However, Ford saw his role diminished this past season thanks to injuries and the development of fellow point guard Jose Calderon. Ford missed 24 games after suffering a serious neck injury, the second of his career. During that time Calderon stepped in and played some inspired basketball.
When Ford returned to the lineup, he was forced to come off the bench - a situation he did not handle well. Calderon eventually ceded the starting spot to Ford, but at the end of the season, it was clear that the team preferred Calderon and Ford would be on his way out.
Nesterovic, a ten-year veteran, was one of the Raptors' more consistent players down the stretch. Rasho's $8.4 million contract expires at the end of next season
http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=241657&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main
T.J. Ford's time with the Toronto Raptors appears to be over.
According to several media reports, the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers have agreed in principle to a deal that would see Jermaine O'Neal join the Raptors in exchange for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and 17th pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Toronto would have to include one other player for salary cap purposes.
This trade was first broached earlier in the week. Both O'Neal (knee) and Ford (back/neck) have had significant health concerns in the past, and according the report, both sides required more time to exchange medical information and improve their comfort level with the trade.
However, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo spoke to the media Wednesday afternoon and noted that the Raptors are involved in "four or five" conversations regarding Ford.
"We're talking about a player in T.J. that's an asset, a starting point guard in the NBA," Colangelo said. "There's been a lot of interest, and teams that have called and inquired have not put deals on the table that have been insulting in any regard. In fact, it's pretty apparent that T.J.'s value is very high."
"We are holding our cards close to the vest right now as we need to. Some of the deals could make us significantly better."
O'Neal, a six-time all-star, is owed $44 million over the next two seasons. He played in just 42 games for the Pacers this past season and rumours have been rampant that the Pacers were looking to trade the forward.
Ford enjoyed an up-and-down career with the Toronto Raptors. He was acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks in June of 2006 and quickly signed to a four-year contract extension. At first glimpse, Ford appeared to be the answer to Raptors' much-maligned point guard problem.
However, Ford saw his role diminished this past season thanks to injuries and the development of fellow point guard Jose Calderon. Ford missed 24 games after suffering a serious neck injury, the second of his career. During that time Calderon stepped in and played some inspired basketball.
When Ford returned to the lineup, he was forced to come off the bench - a situation he did not handle well. Calderon eventually ceded the starting spot to Ford, but at the end of the season, it was clear that the team preferred Calderon and Ford would be on his way out.
Nesterovic, a ten-year veteran, was one of the Raptors' more consistent players down the stretch. Rasho's $8.4 million contract expires at the end of next season
