Trade: J. O'Neal/#41 to TOR for TJ Ford/Rasho/Baston/#17

[Fool]

He played with Mo Taylor for Michigan.

[Glenn]

JO speaks

O’Neal confirmed the trade Thursday, saying he was pleased with the move by team president Larry Bird.

“He wanted to get me to a place where I could contend and do what I’m capable of doing,” O’Neal told The Associated Press. “We both agreed that the timing was perfect. His focus on getting them (the Pacers) to a level where they can grow and start to be competitive was tremendous.”

Pacers spokesman David Benner said he could not confirm the trade.

“We’re stuck in our role here, the players can say whatever they want, we can’t say anything,” Benner said.