Reports in the last week have been pointing to a potential blockbuster deal between the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat. This deal would send C Jermaine O' Neal to Miami and F Shawn Marion and an extra player or two back to Toronto. Marion has $17.1 million remaining on his contract, which comes off the books after this season, and Jermaine O' Neal has two years left on his deal, $21.3 million this season with a player option, most likely to be exercised, for $23 million next season.
Miami Heat: President and GM Pat Riley has always expressed interest in acquiring an elite level big man since trading aging C Shaquille O' Neal to the Suns for Shawn Marion. If the 30 year old former All Star O' Neal can rediscover the magic which made him a six time All Star with the Indiana Pacers, the Heat will obtain a skilled center with the ability to score, as evidenced by his 36 point outburst against the Kings earlier this season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc-2dIPY1ZA
Jermaine O' Neal with the monster jam and the foul
Toronto Raptors: With a crowded frontcourt of former overall first pick C Andre Bargnani (13 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 1.5 3pg) and All Star Chris Bosh (24 ppg, 10 rpg) solidifying themselves at the 4 and 5 positions, the increasingly injury prone Jermaine O' Neal has become expendable in Toronto. With Shawn Marion's expiring $17.1 million contract coming off the books after this season, the Raptors will give themselves tons of cap room as they unload O' Neal's contract as well. Not only does this move give them cap flexibility, but it gives the Raptors an athletic forward who can play the 3 or the 4. The Matrix is a 4 time All Star who can crash the boards, play D, and shoot 3s, providing the Raptors with a potential starting lineup of C Andre Bargnani, PF Chris Bosh, SF Shawn Marion, SG Anthony Parker, and PG Jose Calderon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdLQd-NAe80
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xtCvoxlR5Y
The Matrix showing off his SKILLS
No comments:
Post a Comment