By RaptorTalk

All indications are that Bryan Colangelo will not sit on his hands and wait for the Raptors to improve internally. In April he said that 2007-08 was disappointing and its clear he's ready to swing for the fences.

According to numerous media reports, the Toronto Raptors are actively pursuing a blockbuster trade that would bring Jermaine O'Neal north of the border, among other potential deals.

It seems that the Raptors GM is involved with the Indiana Pacers, the Phoenix Suns and at least three other teams for a total of five serious trade partners. Clearly, he wants to move T.J. Ford now and get this team back into contention.

The East promises to be much improved next season and the Raptors can't afford to fall back by sticking with the status quo.

  

Apparently, Colangelo has been involved in serious talks with the Indiana Pacers about acquiring 29 yearold center Jermaine O’Neal for a package that would include T.J. Ford, Rasho Nestervoic and possibly the 17th pick in the upcoming draft.

It was reported this evening that talks had broken down due to concerns centering around the health of T.J. Ford and Jermaine O'Neal - both of whom have a recent history of injury. However, there is no reason to think that the deal won't be resurrected within the next few days.

Word is that the Raptors are aggressively trying to move Ford and O’Neal is one of their prime targets, as is forward Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns.

It is also reported that Bryan Colangelo is in active discussions with at least three other NBA teams for trades of a blockbuster nature.

With the NBA Draft approaching on Thursday, I hope Bryan pulls the trigger or at least has a deal in principle set for July 1st. My preference would be to hold on the 17th pick in the draft because because there will be some decent talent available when it comes the Raptors turn to pick and a good young big man like a Robin Lopez would look good in Toronto.

These are interesting days for Raptor fans, indeed!