INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers are trading six-time All-Star forward Jermaine O’Neal to the Toronto Raptors for point guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a second-round pick.
O’Neal confirmed the trade Thursday, saying he was pleased with the move by team president Larry Bird.
“He wanted to get me to a place where I could contend and do what I’m capable of doing,” O’Neal told The Associated Press. “We both agreed that the timing was perfect. His focus on getting them [the Pacers] to a level where they can grow and start to be competitive was tremendous.”