T.J. Ford and $20 Million in Expiring Contracts Are The Raptors Most ValuableTrade Assets
By Walter Dubowec
Based on the holes in the Raptors roster, I fully expected Bryan Colangelo to make at least one meaningful trade prior to last month’s trade deadline. I was wrong. It didn’t happen. Bryan was not presented with a deal that justified he pull the trigger, which in the long run was a wise decision.
No one can argue that the Raptors need to upgrade next year.
I'm not advocating a radical overhaul like we saw in Bryan's first season, but the roster needs more than a tweak. I’d expect two new starters and one or two new rotation players next season.
The team has a number of needs and Bryan must take aggressive steps to make the Raptors an elite team for 2008-09.
So what are Colangelo’s main trade assets?
1. Expiring contracts
2. T.J. Ford
While I am a huge supporter - I am certain that T.J. will be dealt in the off-season. Bryan will trade T.J. because his ego can't handle his role as a back-up.
With Jose certainly re-signing, Colangelo will bring Jose back as a starter. The Raptors will almost certainly look to bring in a scoring wing player to become our second scoring option. Assuming that happens, then having Jose as a distributor will fit better than T.J. who is still more of a scoring PG.
Despite T.J.’s injury problems, he will be indeed tradeable. There will be plenty of GM’s looking for a speedy young point guard who can pass, score and break down defences off the dribble. Plus, his $8 million contract is still reasonable.
As was proven by teams like LA and Boston - expiring contracts can be leveraged into tremendous assets. Acquiring talent via free agency is often difficult. Its much easier to upgrade your roster. Next season, the Raptors are loaded with $20 million in expirings which Bryan can use to his advantage:
Rasho Nesterovic - $8.4 mil
Anthony Parker - $4.5 mil
Jorge Garbajosa - $4.2 mil
Maceo Baston - $1.9 mil
Between trading TJ and some of our expirings, I expect Bryan to have the ability to make some bold moves this off-season and leading up to next year’s trade deadline which could transform the Raptors from pretenders to contenders.
Agreed. It's hard not to respect what TJ has done but with Bosh,TJ,Garbo being injury prone something has to give.
Martin will retire and his roster spot will go to the draft pick. Rumor has it the PG from Europe will showup and add questionable depth at PG. That frees up TJ to continue somewhere else. Then there is that core of 2/3 players that probably will rotate out. Hopefully the 2/3 that come in will be somewhat better. The bottom line is the rotation has to shorten and the 8/9 that do play have healthy years. Not sure Garbo will be in the mix. If he plays internationally this summer I would not blame BC for moving hime for what he can get. The theory is who play during the season and not during the summer.
I figure at least 4/5 players currently on the roster will be somewhere else next year.
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i keep parker from that group of expiring contracts. he's the most important raptor right now. i mean, bosh is the man, but this team needs parker like a fat kid needs insulin.
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I agree. I think that TJ has the potential to be a distraction. He's got talent and he's a warrior given what he's been through; but his attitude I've gotta be a starter or else) sucks.
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as long as jose is here n tj is gona is all good get a center sammmy d
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TRADE TJ KEEP JOSE. this vithulan guy is every where and he has a point it doesnt matter jsoe is actiuving fdiva he deserves it trade tj for a strong center or a SF or upgrade trading tj rasho n Ap to some star or something
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TJ has done a great job and i think he is better than Jose. this is because he can do so much more, and when he plays well, the whole Raptor team plays well. I dont think he should be traded the Raps are fortunate to have two great point guards. But since lots of people in Toronto don't appreciate him then maybe he should go to a better place where people want him on the team!
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Nothing means a whole lot until the draft, but all of the talk as of late is Ford going away. Jose being the first priority for Colangelo to resign can only mean Ford's existence is coming to an end. With that being said Our 7 foot wonder less center is another hurdle to overcome although great in Europe as a shooting big man he is useless here. We need a rebounder in there and a consistent shot blocker. Trade Bargs get a role playing center someone who does his job. Toronto also need a slasher at SF so Moon can move over to the 2 spot with Moon's size and quickness he is perfect at the 2. Lets get real about the future of the Raps Bosh needs help Bargs isn't helping in the middle Ford is a shoot first PG without the consistency, Garbajosa was a big loss. The only bright spot was the play of Moon and Jose. I'm sure I will get flamed for my opinion.
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