Report: Raptors will try to trade Andrea Bargnani by July 1
The Raptors will try to trade the disappointing Bargnani before July 1. (Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)
The first order of business for the Raptors' new general manager Masai Ujiri is shopping Andrea Bargnani everywhere he can, in hopes of getting him traded before July 1.
Bargnani, a former No. 1 overall pick, still has two years and more than $22 million remaining on his contract. A lingering elbow issue has plagued Bargnani for the last two seasons, and had to miss the last 19 Raptors games of the season.
His injury, coupled with his poor defense, inconsistent rebounding and average-at-best shooting has made him a general disappointment for the Raptors.
The team has been looking to trade Bargnani for a while. Former GM Bryan Colangelo publicly admitted that a "change of scenery is probably best for all sides," but never managed to move Bargnani.
Ujiri may have more success, but even if he can't trade Bargnani, the Raptors may waive him under the league's amnesty provision, giving the team a fresh start.