A proposed trade that would send Shawn Marion to Toronto for Jermaine O'Neal is far from imminent, Heat president Pat Riley said Sunday.
In his first comments since speculation of the potential deal intensified this weekend, Riley disputed published reports that he is waiting to see how well O'Neal's troublesome right knee holds up before deciding on a deal.
"It is typical of this time of year in the NBA that people put the cart before the horse," Riley said through a team spokesman before Sunday's game.
"Whoever is saying that [a trade is imminent] is putting the cart before the horse."
The Heat has had discussions with at least three teams regarding potential deals for Marion, who is paid $17.8 million on a contract that expires at the end of this season.
Informed of Riley's statement before the game, Marion said, "That's good to hear, but I told you I'm not talking about it anymore. I'm done."
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