Reports: Raptors in talks with Pacers to deal Ford for O'Neal

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The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors have held discussions about a possible trade involving Jermaine O'Neal and T.J. Ford, according to reports in the Indianapolis Star and the Toronto Star.

Jermaine O'Neal

Center
Indiana Pacers

Profile

2008 Season Stats

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
42	13.6	6.7	2.2	.439	.742

The Raptors -- eager to move an unhappy Ford and make Jose Calderon their starting point guard -- also would include center Rasho Nesterovic and possibly their first-round pick in Thursday's draft, both newspapers reported.

One sticking point might be O'Neal's health. He played in 42 games last season because of a left knee injury, though Pacers officials said recently that O'Neal is healthy, according to the Indianapolis Star.

O'Neal, a six-time All-Star, averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds a game last season, and is currently working out in Las Vegas.

T.J. Ford

Point Guard
Toronto Raptors

Profile

2008 Season Stats

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
51	12.1	2.0	6.1	.469	.880

A second issue might be the financial burden O'Neal poses. He is set to make $21 million this season and $23 million in 2009-10.

Multiple reports surfaced this past weekend about a possible trade that would have the Raptors sending Ford and their first-round pick (No. 17 overall) to the Phoenix Suns for forward Boris Diaw.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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