INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers are trading six-time All-Star forward Jermaine O’Neal to the Toronto Raptors for point guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be determined.

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.”

A deal can’t be finalized until July 1, when Ford’s base-year compensation tag comes off the books.