Toronto Raptors star Andrea Bargnani could be on his way to Italy – NBA Update
Andrea Bargnani has become the latest NBA star linked with a move to Europe.
The Toronto Raptors power forward/centre is believed to be in talks with an Italian basketball club Virtus Roma about a possible move. Club owner Claudio Toti recently revealed that a move might be on the cards if some outstanding
issues are resolved.
"In my opinion, if he decides to play in Italy, he will sign just with us," Sportando reported Toti. "Even if we had agreed on the salary, the biggest hurdle is the insurance to cover his contract with Toronto Raptors."
Bargnani of course is an Italian international basketball player and has represented the nation on many levels in the past. His move to the NBA made him a super star in his native country and his profile is particularly high in
Rome, where he began his basketball career.
Now, a move back to his roots is believed to hinge only on the money required to cover his contract with the Raptors. The player is believed to be interested in playing in Italy again, but first insurance must be bought for the
NBA contract he still has.
At the time being, it is not clear what exactly the insurance will cost Roma.
“It is three weeks I am waiting to know the exact amount of money needed for the insurance.” Said Toti.
The club owner knows that Bargnani is a marketable asset who will probably justify the money spent on him in terms of bringing commercial attention to Roma, but that is not the intention behind the move.
“ Of course, if Bargnani arrives, I need help from sponsors and I want him not to sell jerseys or more tickets, I want to him for winning games" he said.
Andrea left Italy for the NBA in 2006, when he was drafted as the first overall pick by Toronto. The player has been at the franchise since then and after a less than perfect start to his NBA career, the numbers have picked up.
Last season he managed 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, a pretty healthy return.
The NBA lockout though is now threatening to halt his progress at just the wrong time. Bargnani is therefore looking to head back to Europe in order to play competitive basketball again rather than to stay in the United States
and risk stagnation in his game.
The 7-footer thought won’t be the first player to go that route. Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets is one among many who have already left to play across the Atlantic while many others have been constantly linked with foreign
clubs.
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