The real question should be this: would Orlando trade JJ Redick for JO?
I think you would find that the answer is a big fat NO. At this point, he is worth more than a has-been big man who just came off knee surgery and is yet to make any meaningful contribution to this team.
I agree, and on top of that, trading JO to the magic would eliminate their biggest weakness since their revamping, backup center. No way, let them find a backup to Howard from someone else.
O'Neal would shore up their center position the same way he's shoring up our's. O'Neal's value will be next season when there's a contract on the line. Whether he's here or in Orlando he'll be a waste of a roster spot this season. I'd do the trade in a heartbeat.
as Roy said, don't count JO out yet. He is too proud a player and too close to some of the guys on this team to mail it in until his contract year. He will be very productive when fully recovered. Our main advantage over the magic, heat, and even LA is our size when healthy. I wouldn't give that up for an additional SG who would play behind Ray, Nate, Dwest, and Daniels.
The one area where I agree with Roy is that I don't think O'Neal is close to being washed up yet. Where we differ is that I think he tanks in non-contract years. I watched him admittedly only a few games last year beyond our's. He looked last year like he was putting up numbers in his sleep. He's that talented. In a lot of ways, talented like Shaq where if he gets on the court he'll put up numbers.
He's going to put up 10 and 8 next year for somebody. Maybe better.
I think O'Neal's demeanor and zest for the game changed after the brawl. He put up good numbers last season in his sleep. At no point when I saw him did he ever look like he was busting his butt. He's that talented. He can do it going through the motions.....As long as he has something to play for. He, IMHO, doesn't play for the love of the game...Or for championships. He has the greatest opportunity for a championship he's ever had on this team...And he's out of shape. He, IMHO, plays for the money.
I don't think we'll see any of that this season because he's simply not in shape. Look at him. He looks about 30 lbs bigger than last season. Opposed to Perk, who had a major knee injury...Looks chisled.
Next season will mirror last season for O'Neal. So if he's not traded, Danny essentially signed him for a 1 year, 11.8m contract.