O'Neal For Marion Almost Finalized.

[Windmill360]

Raptor's health the last sticking point in deal that would see Miami's Marion come to T.O.

Jan 18, 2009 04:30 AM

Doug Smith
SPORTS REPORTER

The Raptors are moving toward a significant mid-season trade that would ship Jermaine O'Neal to the Miami Heat for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks in a deal involving highly paid veterans unable to fit seamlessly into new situations.

Multiple league sources confirmed yesterday that talks have progressed to the point where the trade, although not imminent, could be finalized when the Heat are satisfied O'Neal is healthy enough to help them in their drive for the Eastern Conference playoffs.

How many more games it will take to convince the Heat is unclear, but the sources confirmed talks are nearly completed at the highest levels of each organization.

Raptor officials, citing long-held team rules, would not comment on trade speculation.

O'Neal, according to sources and various Internet reports, has told friends and acquaintances that he expects to be dealt to Miami. League sources tell the Star that nothing is expected to happen in the next 24 or 48 hours and it could be more than a week before any deal is finalized.

The Raptors have a home game against Phoenix today and start a three-game road trip in Atlanta tomorrow; the Heat played last night and today and begin a four-game homestand on Wednesday.

One thing is certain, and that is the Raptors are shopping the 30-year-old O'Neal, who played Friday night for the first time in 10 games in Toronto's loss to the Indiana Pacers after missing nine games with a knee injury.

Averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, he has been effective but not overwhelming in a half-season after being acquired from the Pacers for T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic in a multi-player July transaction.

The emergence of Andrea Bargnani as a bona fide NBA starting centre – he's averaging more than 20 points per game – has made moving O'Neal and his contract – $21.372 million this season, $23.016 million next season (all figures U.S.) – a priority for general manager Bryan Colangelo.

Marion, whose $17,810,000 contract expires at the end of this season, hasn't fit perfectly with the Heat after being obtained last season from Phoenix in a deal for Shaquille O'Neal.

The 30-year-old is averaging 12.1 points and 9.2 rebounds and would be seen in some circles as a major defensive and rebounding upgrade at small forward for Toronto.

And the Raptors seem in desperate need of help.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/573052

[MaVs 41 BaLler]

Wow can't believe the Bosh-Jermaine thing didn't work out.

[BGMaverick9]

That's actually a surprise for me too. Are GMs actually going ahead and being quick to the trigger finger or quick to admit screw ups now?

[MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs]

Yeah but think about Bosh Bargnani Marion Parker Calderon sounds pretty good to me.

[Tokey41]

Bargnani's emergence in JO's recent absence makes Oneal expendable. And it's been clear that they aren't going anywhere with him. This move is nothing but good news for Toronto.

[me770706]

that's interesting. i read the mavs were talking with miami about josh/stack for marion

[spreedom]

JO for Marion works for me.... anything that makes the Heat worse is awesome!

[Flacolaco]

Good. Anything that keeps Marion away from us is bueno.

[alby]

^ co-sign.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by MaVs 41 BaLler

Wow can't believe the Bosh-Jermaine thing didn't work out.

Its wierd I was expecting the two skinny 3/5 combo players with near identical games and star egos to play phenomenally together.

[alby]

I hope Jermaine does well in Miami.

[Windmill360]

A proposed trade that would send Shawn Marion to Toronto for Jermaine O'Neal is far from imminent, Heat president Pat Riley said Sunday.

In his first comments since speculation of the potential deal intensified this weekend, Riley disputed published reports that he is waiting to see how well O'Neal's troublesome right knee holds up before deciding on a deal.

"It is typical of this time of year in the NBA that people put the cart before the horse," Riley said through a team spokesman before Sunday's game.

"Whoever is saying that [a trade is imminent] is putting the cart before the horse."

The Heat has had discussions with at least three teams regarding potential deals for Marion, who is paid $17.8 million on a contract that expires at the end of this season.

Informed of Riley's statement before the game, Marion said, "That's good to hear, but I told you I'm not talking about it anymore. I'm done."

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ar..._trade_report/