By Peter D. Walker

To those who think the Toronto Raptors overpaid for Jason Kapono's services, it appears to me that either (1) everyone else is overpaying free agents or (2) everyone is being paid competitive market value.

Matt Carroll, Charlotte’s three point shooting, one-trick pony received 6 years - $27 million which is $4.5 million per year. He shot 42% from behind the arc (compared to Kapono’s 51%) and as recently as the 2004-05 season, Carroll was toiling in the NBDL. 

                                

Rashard Lewis signed a max money deal with the Orlando Magic for 5 years - $75 million. To clear cap space, the Magic subsequently waived 2003 draft bust, Darko Milicic who is now looking for a $10 million a year pay day.

Over in Chicago, Nocioni has reportedly turned down a Bulls’ offer of a 5 year - $38 million dollar deal which averages $7.6 million per season. Apparently, Steve Blake wants more than $6 million a year and Gerald Wallace could re-sign with Charlotte for as much as $12 million per year.

Luke Walton got 6 years - $30 million ($5 million per) from the Lakers and ex-Raptor superstar Vince Carter got a 4 year - $60 extension ($15 million per).  It is speculated that Anderson Varejao will command an offer as high as 5 years - $40 million ($8 million per). Even Mo Pete is likely to receive an offer in the range of $6 million per season.

Do any of these salary numbers make sense? Who out there accurately predicted these salaries? I will guarantee that most arm chair GM’s were throwing around figures that were on average 25% lower and included one less year.

Problem is that none of those 'fan-predicted' numbers would have been enough to lure anyone, outside of Pape Sow, Michael Bradley or Darrick Martin.

Would Bryan Colangelo have preferred to pay less for Kapono? Absolutely. And I’ll bet he’d prefer to have signed Bosh to a $10 million deal and got Anthony Parker to play for the NBA league minimum, while snapping up Nocioni as an RFA for the MLE. Guess what? None of that was going happen. You can’t build an NBA team if you refuse to pay market value for players.

Oh wait. The LA Clippers don’t pay market value for players and they’re still an NBA team.

You get my point?

Matt Bonner Is Back With The Spurs

Former Toronto Raptor and all around good guy, Matt Bonner has re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs for 3 years - $9 million. The Red Rocket likely took slightly below market value to stay with the Spurs. Good move for Matt. 

Matt enjoys 3 years of security and gets the opportunity to add another ring with the NBA Champion Spurs. Best of all, he can expect to sign another more lucrative contract after this one ends.

Bye, Bye Norma Wick

Speaking of contracts – in a surprising turn of events, RaptorsTV has decided to not renew the contract of Norma Wick.

I don’t care what the circumstances are, I always hate to hear that someone has lost their job. Particularly someone as hard working and dedicated as Norma Wick. Full Court Press was the best regular program on RaptorsTV and it won’t be the same without Norma, if it even continues.

On the other hand, her long drawn out, leading, rambling declarations which were meant to be questions – will not be missed by fans or players. It was agonizing to hear her ask a question or start an interview by always using the opening phrase, “Talk about” - which was inevitably followed by her lengthy and often pointless preambles.

Norma will be back somewhere, soon. Best of luck, girl!