O'neal: "We're going to move on without him." <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It's apparent that Ron Artest's change of heart about playing for the Indiana Pacers won't affect Donnie Walsh's decision to trade the former All-Star forward. The Pacers CEO said Monday that he's in the process of narrowing the list of suitors for a deal. "Right now I'm looking to see what's doable," Walsh said. Walsh, who has said he will leave Artest on the inactive list until he can make a deal, reiterated he's not going to rush into anything. The NBA's trading deadline is Feb. 23. Walsh declined to discuss the Artest situation specifically Monday. Meanwhile, Artest is doing his best to salvage a relationship with some of his teammates. He met with Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal for about three hours Sunday night. "It was a very positive conversation," O'Neal said. "We held nothing back. We not only talked about things that have happened this year, but also in years past. He knows what he did was wrong. He understands the situation he put himself in. I was upfront with him and told him the team is upset with him and we're going to move on without him." A lot has been made about O'Neal and Artest's relationship. "It's not about me and Ron. Our relationship hasn't taken a hit off the court," O'Neal said. "I want to play with him or against him in an All-Star Game one of these days. I have a lot of respect for what he does on the court. He may be the best player in the league that plays both ends of the court." While several other Pacers agree Artest should not return, Jackson is leaving the door open for Artest to come back. "I almost lost my job for him. He's my friend," Jackson said. "I support him. I'll never turn my back on anybody that I played with. That door's always open with me. Just like I have my own opinions, (my teammates) have their own opinions. . . . and we're entitled to that." Artest has taken a 180-degree turn from saying he wanted to be traded on Dec. 10. He said over the weekend that he wants to return to the Pacers, the team that stuck by him during his 73-game suspension last season.</div> Source
Artest changing his mind so often is exactly why the Pacers really don't want him. I wouldn't, even though I would be tempted by his play oncourt. to build a championship team, all players need to be on the same page. I can't help but wonder if Artest will end up better off with a new team and new scene. Only time will tell
