Toronto searching for a big

[Bassman]

From the Toronto Star:

The Raptors did make a call to free-agent centre Erick Dampier, cut loose earlier this month by the Charlotte Bobcats, but the veteran has narrowed his choice of new teams to the Miami Heat or Houston Rockets, according to sources. With injuries to two of his young big men, president and general manager Bryan Colangelo is scouring the trade and free-agent market looking to make one last summer move. “With the injury to Ed Davis, there has been more talk about adding a big,” Colangelo said Thursday.

I think it's time to offer them 2 bigs, and consumate a deal we started on earlier. Not that they would do this, but Toronto needs a PF and a C. So offer them Diaw and Diop for Calderon and Evans.

Like it or not, Calderon is better than anyone we've got. If DJ keeps getting better over time, you've got a proven PG in reserve, who might take over in a year or 2. Evans is an expiring that can play some reserve 4. We get rid of Diop's contract, and move Diaw to a place that speaks French. Yes, we would be less experienced at the 4, but far better off at the 1. Then I would go out and sign Earl Barron to a contract, and let him battle with Nazr for the starting job.

PG - Calderon, DJ, Livingston
SG - Jax, Hendo, Carroll
SF - Crash, UPS
PF - Tyrus, Najera, McGuire
C - Nazr, Barron, Kwame

[doc.end]

Gana speaks French too!

[MPM]

I would do this, but with a lot of reluctance. Calderon isn't the answer here and Diaw isn't the answer there. Both parties would succeed in balancing out their rosters somewhat with questionable acquisitions, but neither team would be that much better as a result. Calderon plays no D, is injury prone and expensive, but at least would provide a semblance of a starting PG. However, getting out from under Diop's contract would help lessen the sting of bringing him on and Evans is an expiring that could be a servicable backup for T2 for the season. Diaw would continue to be a tease in Toronto but would help facilitate offensive flow and Diop would provide a limited defensive presence at the 5. They get stuck with his contract though. Not sure that Toronto would do this. If their sole intention is to just bring on a 5, they can grab Earl Barron. He is much cheaper and just as talented as Gana.

[hhvo]

I would give them Diop for TPE, thats about it. They asking for a true 5, Diop's a true 5.

They have no players that would really benefit the Bobcats... Yes, including Calderon. After watching him in 09-10 and World Champ. I see nothing but a downward slope for the guy.

[Jaruff]

I would give them Diop for TPE, thats about it. They asking for a true 5, Diop's a true 5.

They have no players that would really benefit the Bobcats... Yes, including Calderon. After watching him in 09-10 and World Champ. I see nothing but a downward slope for the guy.

Agreed. Calderon's contract makes him a terrible choice. Diaw is a solid contributor and I'd rather keep him than commit to an average PG for several years.

If they're desperate, let them take Diop for cash for a future protected second (just as San Antonio gave Theo to us). Their TPE can cover his contract and it expires after next season.

[dmutombo321]

I'm down for any plan that would rid us of Diop's contract. You have to question whether Calderon is the same player he was a couple years ago though. He looked horrible in the worlds.

And I love Earl Barron who is still younger than 30 and had some monster games for NY last year; I actually think I would earn a starting spot with us.

Ultimately, as MPM points out, Toronto would be better off just signing Barron themselves since he is infinitely more talented than Diop and could be had at a fraction of the price.

[DY_nasty]

But they have future all-star Bargnani and advanced stats monster Amir Johnson, they don't need any bigs

[SWedd523]

Don't forget Kleiza!! (read my sig)








They can have Diop if they need big man defense. Diop for Evans. Deal.

[doc.end]

Don't forget Kleiza!! (read my sig)








They can have Diop if they need big man defense. Diop for Evans. Deal.

Diop for TPE! that oculd screw them more

[Fred Williamson]

Diop and a 2nd for Caleron. He'd be a decent backup PG for Harris IMO. Otherwise, Craptards can eat a fat one.

[Stun704]

Diop and a 2nd for Caleron. He'd be a decent backup PG for Harris IMO. Otherwise, Craptards can eat a fat one.

hell nah, Calderons contract would be 10 million per year , (because of the trade kicker)

[BobsBuddy]

WOW>>We are in the drivers seat on this trade also.

If Denver 4 way deal falls through then I believe we can pull this deal off Diaw/Diop and still get our starting point with option two.

Stand Firm MJ---Don't Whimp

[tsherkin]

There's no way even a numpty like Colangelo will accept an extra $14M (including Diop's PO) just to get Diaw. That's as bad a deal for the Raptors as Diaw/Calderon straight-up is for the Bobcats.