Monday, February 18, 2013
Chances of a Bargnani deal
By Joe Kaiser
There is little doubt that Toronto would like to deal Andrea Bargnani and his bloated contract as soon as possible, but it probably won't happen before this week's Feb. 21 trade deadline.
Doug Smith of the Toronto Star writes that the word he's getting after communicating to several executives around the league is "looks like the summer," as in a more realistic time in which the Raptors will be able to deal the No. 1 overall pick in 2006.
Bargnani is the team's second-highest earner after Rudy Gay, making $10 million this season, and is guaranteed $11 million next season and $12 million in 2014-15. If the Raptors unload him now, it'll be when his trade value is at its lowest point so that wouldn't make a whole lot of sense. If Bargnani is dealt this week, it'll likely take a contending team being willing to exchange an expiring contract or two for Bargnani and the $23 million owed after this season. And at this point, given Bargnani's poor injury-plagued season, that appears to be very doubtful to happen.
