By RaptorTalk

The Boston Celtics proved that defence and elite talent wins championship rings. It seems that Bryan Colangelo got that message loud and clear.

Apparently, all signs point to the Raptors acquiring Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, the Raptors' 17th pick in the draft and some filler.

                    

This trade is the first step in a direction that will improve the Raptors overall defence and provide the team with a six time all-star to complement Chris Bosh. If Jermaine stays healthy, Toronto arguably has one of the strongest front court tandems in the NBA.

Of course,  the Raptors still need to add an impact swingman before they become real contenders. But, let's wait and see what Bryan does over the upcoming days and weeks to address that situation.

The O'Neal acquisition also takes pressure off Andrea Bargnani who returns to his sixth man role he played as a rookie, where many observers feel he is most suited to play at this point in his career.

In his blog late today, the Toronto Star's Doug Smith said Colangelo had a number of offers but chose this one because....

"Sources said Bryan liked the O'Neal deal best because of the impact it will have on the court immediately and on the bottom line a couple of seasons from now.

O'Neal will make $44 million (US) over the next two seasons but will come off the books and give Colangelo a boatload of money to throw at free agents following the 2009-10 season.

Neither side is talking, of course, because nothing can be finalized until T.J.'s base-year compensation tag comes off the books on July 1. For that reason, Toronto will make the 17th selection in tonight's draft based on what the Pacers tell them to do."