Calderon available

[Rastapopoulos]

Reportedly:

In a recent interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca, Raptors point guard Jose Calderon didn't deny that he'd "like to have the opportunity to compete for something."

That doesn't mean he's poised to ask for a trade -- "I don't think so, that's not me, that's not my personality," Calderon said -- but the 30-year-old left the undeniable sense that he wouldn't oppose a move away from the rebuilding Raps if the opportunity materializes.

You can safely assume, meanwhile, that the Raps feel the same way. Sources with knowledge of Toronto's thinking say that the team is not just going to give Calderon away, especially when he's back to supplying a typically efficient 10.6 points and 8.7 assists nightly, but I'm told that the Raps are indeed open to moving him.

You'll recall that they already did agree to trade him to Charlotte in the summer of 2010 in a Tyson Chandler deal that the Bobcats ultimately backed out of. Now? Sources say that the Raps, if not outright shopping Calderon, have let it be known they're willing to listen, since he's no longer regarded as their long-term answer at the point.

That's because shedding Calderon's nearly $11 million salary for next season would be another step in the reset that began with Bryan Colangelo's drafting of Jonas Valanciunas in June and the hiring of the defensive-minded Dwane Casey as the new coach. It's an open secret north of the border that the Raptors, as much as they've loved Bargnani's increased production and honest attempts to try harder on D under Casey, won't be heartbroken if their 2011-12 record nets another prime pick in the next draft.

The biggest obstacle to a Calderon deal between now and the March 15 trading deadline is that the Raps would surely want a point guard in return, which would appear to rule out teams looking for point guards -- like the Lakers and Knicks -- unless a third or fourth team joins in. Another option for Toronto, if shedding Calderon's salary is needed for cap space this summer, is merely releasing him via the amnesty clause in the NBA's new labor agreement since the Raps didn't use it before this season.

 

[RR7]

his salary next season eats into a big chunk of our cap space. I imagine there'd be teams willing to give more than us. I'd need moer than Calderon coming our way to take him. Calderon+ for Felton. That plus being their pick, Ed Davis, rights to Valnciunas, etc. And I don't see a chance they do that.

 

[Sinobas]

Calderon for Failton.

Jose only has one more year left, and would give Portland a little more time to find the PGOTF. I think it's pretty obviously not Failton. I don't think Portland is going to get anyone with their cap space next year.

Jose has historically been a good shooter, and would get more open looks in Portland's offense. Hey, at least he can do SOMETHING right, so that automatically makes him better than Raymond.

I honestly don't think Calederone and his 10+ mil salary is in high demand around the league right now.

 

[magnifier661]

I brought him up and was ran out of the thread.

 

[Rhal]

the raptors HATE him for his defense and his inability to make decisions in crunch time. If the raptors want nothing to do with him I certaintly don't either.

 

[brooklynballer]

I brought him up and was ran out of the thread.

Dude, of course you're going to be run out of the thread. You proposed that the Blazers trade Felton AND Batum for Calderon. I have to believe that you weren't being serious because Calderon is not THAT good. He's an average point guard with below average defensive skills. Believe me, I know -- we're bombarded with Raptors games and highlights up here in Canada.

Felton straight up for Calderon or at most I'd give up Babbitt and Felton to make the salaries work.

 

[magnifier661]

Dude, of course you're going to be run out of the thread. You proposed that the Blazers trade Felton AND Batum for Calderon. I have to believe that you weren't being serious because Calderon is not THAT good. He's an average point guard with below average defensive skills. Believe me, I know -- we're bombarded with Raptors games and highlights up here in Canada.

Felton straight up for Calderon or at most I'd give up Babbitt and Felton to make the salaries work.

Ahhhhh okay, that makes sense; but Toronto would laugh their ass off if we proposed that.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Calderon >>Felton.

If the price was right I would do it.

 

[Rhal]

Calderon can shoot but his defense is even worse then Feltons. I would probably do Felton for Calderon at the trade deadline if Felton didn't improve only if Calderon's contract came off the books this season. Since it doesn't I dont' want ANY part of his bloated contract.

 

[RR7]

Calderon >>Felton.

If the price was right I would do it.

maybe so, but not with that 10.5 million owed next season.

 

[magnifier661]

maybe so, but not with that 10.5 million owed next season.

How many years? The 10.5 mil is pretty steep.

 

[illmatic99]

Would much rather go after Hinrich.

 

[BoomChakaLaka]

Would much rather go after Nash if Calderon was seriously on our radar.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Face it people, the only way the Blazers are getting a long-term and competent answer to the point guard position is by drafting and developing such a player ... in other words 50 years from now (maybe).