Heat and Raptors swap players

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 -- The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat have concluded their trade involving 4 players. The Raptors has accepted guard Marcus Banks and forward Shawn Marion, while the Heat has received guard Jamario Moon and forward/center Jermaine O’Neal. Bryan Colangelo, the General Manager of Raptors, remarked that this trade was a win-win for both the teams and the Raptors wish Moon and O’Neal the very best. Incidentally, Colangelo is conversant with Marion since he was associated with Phoenix Suns. This exchange of players was endorsed by NBA officials by conference call. Most probably, the players would have to undergo physicals. However, these can be waived by an agreement.

Wade speaks out

The star guard of Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade disclosed that he had developed an incredible rapport with Shawn. It is rather gloomy to lose a person who is a friend off and on the court. However, both these players had a talk that such trades are part of the business and both of them knew that there was some possibility that a trade was imminent.

Kudos for Marion

This trade was in the discussion stage for about the past 30 days. The contract of Marion with the Heat of 17.8 million USD was getting over and hence the Heat were discussing with many teams about his trade. The Heat felt that the Raptors was the ideal partner for an exchange as the Raptors were opting to remove O’Neal as he had a disappointing time with them. In the recent past, Erik Spoelstra, the Heat coach and Pat Riley, the President praised Marion as the second best player in the team after Wade. Riley is of the opinion that the Raptors are procuring a great player in Shawn.