Jermaine O'Neal Headed to Cleveland to Help Lebron?

While I have been following the NBA Draft pretty thoroughly with my Orlando Pre-Draft Camp coverage, there are also some trade rumors out there that involve some veteran players and draft picks.

One of those rumors is that the Indiana Pacers are trying to package the # 11 pick along with Jermaine O'Neal, so they can dump his contract. One possible destination for O'Neal is in Cleveland with Lebron. I guess the trade would be the # 11 pick & Jermaine O'Neal for the expiring contracts of Wally Szczerbiak and Eric Snow. I'm sure some other players would have to be added to the deal on Cleveland's end, they probably would pick up Cleveland's first round pick at # 20 too.

Now if I'm the Pacers, I would do this deal in a second. At this point in his career, Jermaine O'Neal is one of the most overpaid players in the NBA and he can't stay on the court to save his life. The last four seasons he has played 44, 51, 69, & 42 games. Even Chris Webber was on the court more than that. I mean it's great that Cleveland wants to surround Lebron with good talent but I really don't think that Jermaine O'Neal is the answer to that. He can't stay on the court and quite frankly when he is on the court he isn't even that good anymore. I mean who wants a center that shot 43% from the floor the last two seasons?

Personally, I would pass on this deal if I was the Cavs and I think the Pacers are doing the right thing by trying to unload Jermaine O'Neal.  I don't think Jermaine would even see the court more than 50 games next season. The only benefit I can see from this is that the Cavs also get the # 11 draft pick and it's possible the could end up with a decent PG in D.J Augustin if for some reason he drops in the draft.  They also would have a very good shot at Joe Alexander.  However, there is no guarantee that Augustin will be there at # 11 or that Alexander will be able to help Lebron much next season.

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The PipDiv-I Stud

542 days ago

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For Indiana's First round pick next year this might be a workable deal. Jermaine O'Neil has some life left in him, just as a sixth man backing up a star big man somewhere. After his current contract expires he'll become a productive role player. /delusional  :)

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Jerjets11JV Squad

542 days ago

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Cavs have Ben Wallace, Anderson Varajao and Joe Smith at PF. Big Z is the current center I could see being shipped for a younger center with other throw-ins. O'Neal is a brittle headcase. Cavs Danny Ferry is savvy enough to avoid this deal.

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OvertheedgeVarsity

542 days ago

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cleveland wouldnt be that stupid

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