MVN: Most Valuable Network

Sixers fans, I'm having a sinking feeling about this. The Raptors and Pacers reportedly agreed in principle to a trade where the Raptors (a division rival, by the way) get Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers in exchange for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be named later. O'Neal is 28 years old and is a power forward capable of getting 20 and 10 on a regular basis. Plus, he's a good defender and somebody who can play center as well as power forward.

The Pacers deny that a deal has been reached, but not that there isn't a deal in the works.  Jermaine O'Neal confirmed that he was going to Toronto. Ford can't be traded until July 1st due to contract issues. All players have to pass their physicals.

Still, O'Neal had a poor season last year and there are injury concerns with his left knee. Some feel that his best years are behind him and that he'll never reach 20 and 10 again. Although, I wonder if Ed put together a proposal for the Pacers. O'Neal's supposedly been on the trading block for the past few months.

If the Sixers were to acquire him, they would have to send back a lot of salary and use up their cap space to clear the difference. When you're under the cap, you don't have to take match salaries within 80%.

If the deal would have been Willie Green, Reggie Evans and the 16th pick, do you make the trade? I don't know. That seems like a high price to pay for a guy who is looking to rebound off a season where he averaged 13 and 6, especially if you have to pay him Webber money. I'd leave that pick out of it, which figures to be a deal breaker for the Pacers.

No, I don't think Ed was napping at the wheel on that one. The trades that have me concerned are the Nuggets giving the 20th pick to the Bobcats for a future number one and the Trail Blazers outright buying the 27th pick from the Hornets. Why can't we get in on that action?

I think a very good player will be available at 16, but to help you pick the best player on the board, here are my top 16 choices for the Sixers if they stay true to form and stand pat.

1. Michael Beasley

2. Anthony Randolph

3. Brook Lopez

4. Kevin Love

5. JaVale McGee

6. Darrell Arthur

7. Joe Alexander

8. Mareesse Speights

9. Serge Ibaka

10. Danilo Gallinari

11. Robin Lopez

12. Donte Greene

13. Richard Hendrix

14. J.J. Hickson

15. Jason Thompson

16. Roy Hibbert