JBOMB Basketball Blog

Another blockbuster trade (for real this time!) nearing the All-Star break: On Friday, the Miami Heat traded Shawn Marion, along with their guard Marcus Banks to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jermaine O’Neal, Jamario Moon (!) and the lottery-protected future first-round draft pick, as reported by AP through Yahoo! Sports.

Lottery-protected? It means if the Raptors go to the playoff sometime between 2010 and 2015, their first-round draft pick will be shipped to Miami.

Heat-Raptors trade analysis

This trade will benefit both team, but given the bad timing of the trade – right in the middle of the season – the ability for the traded players to gel with their new NBA team will determine their true impacts on the game.

If you asked me which team benefits the most of this trade, I’d definitely say the Miami Heat – with the ‘hidden treasure’ in Jamario Moon, the Heat will enjoy an additional hard-working and high-flying baller.

Jermaine O’Neal trade analysis

The Heat will receive the talent and experience of Jermaine O’Neal – THE Center Miami is lacking of this season. Although Jermaine is slowed down by injuries, he managed to produce 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in 29.7 minutes.

The only drawback Jermaine gives the Heat is his salary – $23 million is due next season. Nevertheless, this won’t affect the Heat’s plan for the free-agency market.

Why?

Because the Heat missed the presence of Shaquille O’Neal in the paint, as indicated by Dwyane Wade. Hmm – bad Heat’s management decision to let Shaq go to Phx?

Shawn Marion trade analysis

One of the reason Shawn Marion’s departure is due to his expectation for a long-term contract, something that the Heat can’t give him.

With Toronto Raptors, The Matrix will play Power Forward, and Bosh can take his throne back in the Center position.

About the numbers – Shawn will bring the Raptors his 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and an all-around defensive performance of 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game – all in 36.1 minutes per game. Pretty much what the Raptors need in a baller.

Analysis on the rest of the guys in the Heat-Raptors deal

Marcus Banks’ departure leave Heat a weak Point Guard position. With only 2 true PG in Mario Chalmers and Chris Quinn, the Heat will surely need to trade for another PG to back up. Marcus’ 2.6 points and 1.4 assists in 10.4 minutes with the Heat will see improvements with the Raptors, as long as he can stay in the rotation.

Jamario Moon is still not getting what he deserved for a long time – a recognition. Maybe his move to the Heat will bring him to better spotlight? He can and he will! His 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 25.5 minutes a game PLUS a great work ethic can only bring goodness to the Heat.

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