TORONTO — Canadian Press Published on Monday, Jun. 23, 2008 3:11PM EDT Last updated on Monday, Mar. 30, 2009 4:01PM EDT
The Raptors trade rumour mill is heating up heading into Thursday's NBA draft, with the latest report claiming Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal could be headed to Toronto.
The Indianapolis Star reported that the Pacers and Raptors have discussed a deal that would send point guard T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic, and possibly Toronto's No. 17 pick in the draft, to Indiana for O'Neal.
The Raptors would likely have to include another player in order for the salaries to match.
Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo wasn't immediately available for comment Monday.
It's no secret the Raptors are trying to move Ford in favour of keeping Jose Calderon as their starting point guard. Toronto extended a qualifying offer to Calderon, a restricted free agent, last week.
O'Neal, a six-time all-star, is considered one of the top defensive big men in the league, but has been hampered by injuries. He played just 42 game last season because of a troublesome left knee.
O'Neal, who is set to make $44 million (U.S.) over the final two years of his contract, averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds last season
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