This apparent rift between the two point guards puts the Raptors management in a tough spot. Ford is practically untradeable, with his injury history and the $24 million of guaranteed money remaining on his contract. But Calderon, they don’t really want to trade him. Not only do they like him more than Ford (and would have no problem trading him), but Calderon is a restricted free agent, which means they could match any offer he receives without regard to the salary cap. And with more supply than demand, this offseason market isn’t expected to be favorable for players, so the Raptors could keep Calderon for relatively cheap.
Trading Calderon may be the most feasible and profitable way to end the backcourt drama. Look for the Los Angeles Clippers, who need a point guard and can shop Corey Maggette, to be interested in Calderon. Ditto for Portland, who needs a proven point guard and has pieces to move.
This is the second straight season in which the team that eliminated the Toronto Raptors was quickly dispatched of in the next round of the playoffs, which doesn’t say much for the Raptors
But honestly, there’s really not a lot of UFAs out there at the positions the Raptors need most in the SG/SF position, especially athletic ones. Two of the best are already failed projects in Juan Dixon and Fred Jones. There’s a few stars like Ron Artest, Corey Maggette, and Gilbert Arenas who could and probably will opt out but are out the the Raptors price range, as pretty much all they have left to offer is a mid-level exception barring some trades. I’ll take a look at some RFA and trade situations next week.
n the May 19th edition of ESPN – the Magazine, there is a ranking of NBA Warriors and a list of the NBA’s biggest Wimps.
Guess what? Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter ranked #1 and #2 respectively on the “WIMP” list!
These rankings further reinforces my belief that T-Mac and Wince Carter would never have been good enough to win it all. In the playoffs, there is a need for grit, toughness and persistence. Both McGrady and Carter have proven time and time again that they and their teams fall woefully short in the playoffs.
Related posts:
watching those ideos it is easy for us to forget how good vc was…man i hate him…
Raps Fans last blog post..An Open Letter to Rob Babcock