In a four-player deal that went down on Friday, the Miami Heat have sent forward Shawn Marion to Toronto for forward/center Jermaine O’Neal, forward Jamario Moon and guard Marcus Banks.
First things first: Miami was thought to have been one of the main players in the “Amare Stoudemire” sweepstakes. Now that they have acquired O’Neal et al – though with a trade exception of approximately $4 million – thoughts are that their biggest chip was in fact Marion, so this will no longer be the case. High-upside guys like Michael Beasley could in fact be moved, but there would have to be some salary work done on Miami’s end as well.
Secondly, doesn’t it seem like the two main players in this deal (Marion and O’Neal) were considered superstars just two years ago? Sure, O’Neal has had his health issues. And Marion’s stock may have been increased by playing along side Steve Nash in an up-tempo offense, but man. Just a few seasons later and these two guys are relegated to the role of “overpaid and tradable.” Another ironic twist is that both of these players were once tied to rumors that had them coming to Cleveland all within the last year.
Personally, second-year forward Jamario Moon may wind up being Miami’s biggest prize in this whole deal. GIve it a year or two. Once that kid polishes his offensive game, he has the makings of a younger Marion.
But regarding the much-discussed Amare Stoudemire…
Per Brian Windhorst late last night, the Cavaliers are definitely in the thick of things for Stoudemire. Certain team officials feel that Amare will not be moved out of Phoenix by Thursday’s trade deadline. No trades can be done during All-Star weekend, but you can rest assured that this does not mean that a few phone calls are being placed while the festivities are going on in Phoenix.
Stay tuned.