In a recent session with reporters, O'Neal said, "If I can't take this team to another level, I truthfully believe we should go our separate ways at the end of the season." He did say that his first choice would be to remain in Indiana, but said that he is frustrated and called the Pacers a "very average team." The 28-year old O'Neal is averaging 19.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game this season.
What teams would be interested in the 6'11" forward? Well, a lot. I can see the New York Knicks getting involved, as they have expressed interest in "J.O." in the past. Maybe they could offer a package including Channing Frye and a future first-round draft pick (they do not have any 2007 first-rounders)? Another possibility is the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that tried to trade for a star player just recently in Allen Iverson, but came up short because of a lack of expiring contracts and draft picks. Other than Randy Foye, whom Minnesota reportedly did not offer to the Philadelphia 76ers for Iverson, I don't see who the Timberwolves could offer Indiana for the 11-year veteran. Maybe they could include rookie forward Craig Smith in a package along with two or three of Ricky Davis, Mike James, Eddie Griffin, and Troy Hudson? Still, Minnesota would be giving up too much depth there, so I don't see it happening.
The San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks both pursued O'Neal in the 2003 off-season, but O'Neal decided to re-sign with the Pacers. I can't see either San Antonio or Dallas making a run at O'Neal now. The New Jersey Nets could become a team to watch for, as they could offer Richard Jefferson, other players (maybe Josh Boone and someone else?), and a first-rounder. Maybe even the Boston Celtics, who can offer a package including Al Jefferson, can become a factor, but their reluctance to include Jefferson in a deal for Iverson spoke volumes. If they wouldn't give up the 21-year old forward for A.I., then why would they give him up for J.O.?
The Chicago Bulls are another team looking for a big man, and they have put Luol Deng on the trading block. They may also be willing to include Ben Gordon in a deal. Chicago's main target is Minnesota's Kevin Garnett, but it doesn't seem like he is going anywhere with the Timberwolves in the playoff hunt. Don't be surprised if they forget about Garnett and then turn around and go after the cheaper O'Neal.
The Golden State Warriors have also been searching for a big, and they too want the unavailable Garnett. Do they offer break-out forward Andris Biedrins and possibly Monta Ellis to try and get O'Neal, or do the .500 Warriors stick with the young talent they have and work from there? We'll have to wait and see.
There have been no reports of any teams making contact with Indiana about the availability of O'Neal yet, but after his recent comments, I can guarantee you that Indiana's phones will be ringing off the hooks soon enough.
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