Pacers trade O’Neal to
Pistons for McDyess, James, two first round picks
By Howie Baker, THG Sports
July 25, 2004
Today the NBA has approved a trade that will send forward/center Jermaine O’Neal
to the Detroit Pistons and forward Antonio McDyess, guard Mike James, and the
Pistons 2005 and 2006 first round picks to the Indiana Pacers.
O’Neal, an eight year veteran who went straight from high school to the NBA,
averaged 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds a game during the 2003-2004 season,
leading the Pacers to the conference finals where they eventually lost to the
future World Champion Pistons.
The Pistons signed McDyess from Phoenix on July 16. The nine year veteran has
career averages of 16.7 points and 8.5 rebounds, although his production has
dropped off considerably the past three years due to injuries. James is a point
guard who has averaged 8.1 points and 3.5 assists during his four year career.
The trade makes Detroit a favorite to repeat as champions, having re-signed star
forward Rasheed Wallace on Friday to a multi-year contract. Wallace, O’Neal and
center Ben Wallace will make up what will most likely be the most dominant
frontcourt in the league.
O’Neal threatened to sit out the season if not traded to a contender for the NBA
title. Apparently the all-star was not happy with the lack of high quality
free-agent signings this off-season by the front office. When asked about the
situation, O’Neal refused to comment, just saying, “I am happy to have a chance
to play for the World Champions and will do everything I can for us to repeat.”
Larry Bird, the Pacers’ president of basketball operations, had left early
Sunday for a bass fishing tournament and was unavailable for comment.
