Jermaine O'Neal Will Play Out His Contract

by Tom Lewis on Jun 5, 2008 5:01 PM EDT

As expected, Jermaine O'Neal complicated the Pacers' offseason plans by not opting out of the remaining $44 million on his contract.

Excuse a quick rant, but it would be great if an enthusiastic J.O. let us know he planned on being healthy and that he was ready to lead the Pacers back to the playoffs no matter who else is playing beside him. Instead for the $22 mil/per we get a hope that the team will improve or move him to a good team. Not exactly inspiring.

Fortunately, J.O.'s big number comes off the books in two years which would open up lotso cap room for any team interested in making a run at LeBron. Thus, the rumors involving Cleveland and other Bron-seekers continue to flow. Hopefully, this one remains a rumor. IF he stays healthy, J.O.'s value will only increase. I'd much rather take a chance and keep J.O. around than dump him for a bunch of junk that adds up to $22 million.

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7'0'' Albatross

I don’t want to hear sh* from JO for this entire season about this team not winning. This guy just willingly stayed with the Pacers for two more years knowing that we’re not going to be very good. Don’t come back to the media two months into the season crying that you want to play for a winner. If Jermaine really wanted to play for a winner he should have opted out and took his happy a* somewhere else. And you’re right ‘Rows we should expect a healthy and happy JO for $22 million but you and I both know that the chances of that are slim and none. And don’t go asking for a trade either. Your stupid max contract is the reason no one else in the league will trade for your broke down body. I’m quite sure that if Larry had found anyone to take your contract off our hands for anything close to 50 cents on the dollar he would have done it already. The reason the Pacers haven’t been any good the last two years is because you haven’t been any good. In fact your lucky that Tinsley has been so bad on and off the court the last two years or fans would be shifting more focus in your direction. That’s it, I’m done.

by ThirtyOne on Jun 6, 2008 7:50 AM EDT reply actions