Warriors to chase Jermaine O'Neal?

[Kings113]

ESPN - Expect the Warriors and Pacers to talk in the summer about a potential deal involving star Jermaine O'Neal, according to Marc Stein from ESPN.

The Warriors believe a lot of their problems stem from the lack of a low-post scorer with real size. O'Neal, as a result, is said to be high on Golden State's list.

It remains to be seen whether the Pacers are indeed prepared to part with O'Neal to start over completely, but it doesn't hurt that Chris Mullin has several young trade assets -- such as Ike Diogu (deemed off-limits in the Artest talks), Mickael Pietrus and the fast-rising Monta Ellis -- in spite of the club's postseason drought.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime


I ultimately don't see Pacers dealing JO away. Guy is a superstar, but had that shoulder injury last year, then the groin this season. Just has play most the year... hopefully he will next season. Good to see he's been rounding back into form the last week though.

 

[BMiller52]

I hope not. I like Jermaine a lot and I can't stand golden state. I'd rather see him go to like portland or something if he were traded.

 

[LPKingsFan]

I don't know. I expect both Chicago and Golden State to make a push with their young potential stars. If Peja bolts, retooling around Diogu/Granger/Pietrus/Ellis or Chandler/Hinrich/Granger/#1 pick starts to look better and better.

 

[Kings113]

I see the Bulls going after Garnett first, not so sure on JO being dealt.

 

[sc3252]

I feel bad for golden state, so I hope they do get JO

 

[Packt]

Diogu has potential, but he's still more Zach Randolph, than O'Neal. He's not quick or explosive enough to ever be the defefeder/shotblocker O’Neal is. Pietrus is athletic and a good defender but streaky and inconsistent. Trading for them would be a gamble, and a downgrade in talent.

Jermaine is a legit 20/10, Franchise guy. I don't see them trading him for anything less than that.

 

[Kings113]

Diogu's agile and not a bad leaper from what I've seen, especially since dropping some weight since his days at ASU.

 

[ParniValjak]

Indiana would be nuts to let JO go. They should retool around him.

 

[SacTownKid]

Golden doesn't have anything that Indiana would want. I have heard a deal that basically equates to Troy Murphy being the main piece. Not gonna happen.

 

[Kings113]

Unless it's J-Rich... but I don't know.

 

[Packt]

And supposedly Indy turned down a Pietrus/Murphy deal for Artest (plus the necessary contract). With everything Richardson has been saying, I wouldn't be surprised to see him traded, but he doesn't seem like a Bird/Carlisle kind of guy. GSW doesn't have the talent or contracts (they have monstrous contracts) to temp Indy, imo.

It's no secret Mullin has been trying to move guys all year. I wouldn't be surprised if Mullin dropped this story on to Stein, who just ran with it. When you’re talking about trading for a guy like O’Neal, and names like Diogu, Pietrus, Ellis are the assets, you have to question its legitimacy.