The 2008 NBA Draft should feature myriad trade rumors. Though most of the rumors passed along by the media don't typically come to fruition, the basketball buzz at this time of year captivates fans and brings an aura of excitement around the league.
O'Neal Traded to Toronto
The Indiana Pacers will reportedly trade star Forward Jermaine O'Neal to the Toronto Raptors for Point Guard T.J. Ford and the 17th overall pick in today's draft. O'Neal has dealt with injury problems in the last two-to-three years, and some believe he may be on the downslide in his career. That being said, Ford has had his injury problems, too. This is a good trade for both teams. The Raptors already have Jose Calderon at point, and they don't necessarily need the 17th pick. Pairing O'Neal with Chris Bosh could free Bosh up at both ends of the court and make him a more effective player. Meanwhile, the Pacers land a top-flight point guard they've desired for quite some time. Jamaal Tinsley has had attitude issues in Indiana and doesn't always stay in shape.
What to Watch for: Pick by Pick
- The Chicago Bulls will likely take Derrick Rose. There is still a slight chance they'll go with Beasley, but that seems less and less likely as the draft approaches.
- The Miami Heat are apparently not sold on Michael Beasley. They really like O.J. Mayo and may even take him with the second overall pick, or they could trade down and try to nab him. In which case, Minnesota might be a logical trade partner with Miami. Seattle, Memphis and New York are also trade possibilities.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves will likely take either Beasley or Mayo, depending on who falls.
- The Seattle Supersonics were thought to be locked in to take Jerryd Bayless, but rumor has it that they may surprise folks and trade up, or select either Russell Westbrook or Eric Gordon.
- The Memphis Grizzlies could take Kevin Love, or go small and take Eric Gordon. Ideally, they'd love to move up.
- The New York Knicks want to move up to take Mayo and may dangle David Lee to do so. If that doesn't work, they'll look at Russell Westbrook, Jerryd Bayless, Eric Gordon or Danilo Gallinari.
- The LA Clippers will want backcourt help, which means Eric Gordon, Jerryd Bayless or Russell Westbrook are the likely candidates.
- The Milwaukee Bucks are apparently sold on Joe Alexander. If he falls this far, expect Milwaukee to snag him.
- The Charlotte Bobcats may have already made a trade with the Knicks to swap picks. They're interested in Russell Westbrook. If they keep the nineth pick, expect them to take a big man to help Emeka Okafor in the paint.
- The New Jersey Nets will try to go big, but at this point they'll likely opt for the best player available.
- The Indiana Pacers had been needing a point guard, but with the recent trade that landed them T.J. Ford, they may opt for a shooting guard or a big man. Brandon Rush could be a good fit. His stock has risen of late.
- The Sacramento Kings need a point guard or help in the middle. D.J. Augustin may be a great find with the 12th pick.
- The Portland Trail Blazers have two first round picks and may trade them for a veteran. If they don't, rumor has it they're interested in Center Alexis Ajinca or Guard Brandon Rush.
- The Golden State Warriors could go in a number of different directions, but keep in mind, Coach Don Nelson loves long forwards who can spread the floor. He also might opt for a defensive-minded, athletic big man who can run.
