NBA Pre-Draft Movement 2008

The NBA Draft is already in full-swing with the first blockbuster already complete. The NBA Draft is always known for having big time player movement, and this year looks no different.

O'Neal-Ford Trade Agreed On
The Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers are the first two teams to make the headlines. Here is the deal:

Toronto gets: F Jermaine O'Neal

Indiana gets: G T.J. Ford, C Rasho Nesterovic, and #17 overall pick

This is a win-win for both sides. Indiana dumps O'Neal and his giant contract, and picks up a solid starting point guard in T.J. Ford who is an assist machine, and another first round draft pick. Toronto gets the low post presence they have needed so desperately, solve their PG dilemma (Calderon will be the starter with Ford gone), and this move allows F Chris Bosh to play power forward rather than center. This deal makes Toronto an elite team in the East along with Boston, Detroit, and Cleveland. This deal cann! ot be official until July 9 because of a restriction rule on T.J. Ford's contract.

This deal was huge, and there will be plenty more. Here are a few players and high picks likely on the move.

Miami's #2 pick (likely be Beasley):
Suitors include Seattle, Memphis, and New York to try and jump up and get Michael Beasley. This will allow Miami to drop down and get either G O.J. Mayo or G Jerryd Bayliss.

Seattle's #4 pick:
Seattle if unable to move up to #2 could move down and still get C Brook Lopez or G Russell Westbrook. Look for a team like New Jersey or the Clippers to possibly jump up.

Richard Jefferson F New Jersey Nets:
RJ is likely headed out of Jersey and it could happen as early as tonight. New Jersey is high on Danillo Galinari from Italy and may trade RJ to move up or for younger players.

Ron Artest F Sacramento Kings:
A lot of teams could use Artest's toughness and defense. The Lakers a! nd Nuggets would make the most sense, but Denver does not have! any dra ft picks. LA could use their pick and possibly Lamar Odom to land Ron Artest.

Leandro Barbosa G Phoenix Suns:
D'Antoni is now the Knicks head coach and loves this kid. Phoenix is trying to reconfigure their team a bit and Leandro could be headed to NY to help make that happen. Plus, the Suns really like G Brandon Rush out of Kansas and would like to land him and have him play the SG position next season.

Shawn Marion F Miami Heat:
He has agreed to play next season in Miami and not opt-out, but Miami could still move him for C Elton Brand or F Carlos Boozer. The Heat could be bluffing about Beasley and keep him and deal Marion.

There will be plenty of moves tonight that could change the fates of a lot of franchises. Make sure you do not miss out tonight.