Toronto Raptors ship James Johnson; Still looking to trade Jose Calderon – NBA Update
Toronto Raptors have agreed to trade away forward James Johnson to the Sacramento Kings in order to clear their cap space. In return, the Raps have got their hands on a second round draft pick in 2014.
Johnson had only one year remaining contract and by letting him go, Toronto have spared up the $ 2.8 million he was due for next season.
Originally a first round draft pick for the Chicago Bulls in 2009, Johnson arrived in Toronto last season. However with the addition of Landry Fields and a probable quick return of Linas Kleiza from injury, he seems to have fallen
out of their future plans.
Johnson averaged 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game last season and will be wearing a Sacramento uniform for next season. He would be going into a team which already has DeMarcus Cousins, Jason Thompson
and the newly drafted Thomas Robinson, a trio which forms potent front court combination.
Johnson is not the only player the Raptors are looking to part ways with before the start of next season. They are also in search for a possible suitor who can take the contract of veteran point guard Jose Calderon. The Spanish
point guard had been a consistent performer for the Raps, but with the arrival of Kyle Lowry, the franchise has got its hands full.
With Lowry expected to start, Calderon’s role will be reduced to that of an impact player, and with a hefty contract, the Raptors apparently are not willing for that;
No success has come their way thus far, but they are reluctant to user their amnesty clause on Calderon just yet.
"We have had a few more trade inquiries regarding Jose, (but) the scenario doesn't seem to present itself to a trade today," Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said. "But we'll continue to monitor that and just
try to determine whether it's going to work in the long run."
Toronto have till Tuesday to decide whether they want to use their amnesty clause on Calderon or stick with him till the end of next season.
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