Oct 11, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Andrea Bargnani (77) shoots a free throw as former teammates and Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) look on at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
#6. July 10, 2013
Traded Andrea Bargnani to New York Knicks for Steve Novak, expiring contracts, second-round draft picks in 2014 and ’17, and a first-rounder in ’16
Toronto’s GM, Masai Ujiri, had only been on-board in his new position for 6 weeks when he dumped the perpetually underachieving Bargnani. The enigmatic Italian centre had worn out his welcome in Toronto, ending his season on the shelf with yet another injury. Few observers thought Bargs would return much in trade, so there was considerable astonishment at Toronto’s haul.
The jewel in the crown is the draft pick of next year. While it’s one of those conditional picks (the less valuable of New York or Denver’s slot), both teams are expected to be weak this season. Should that be the case, the Raptors could find themselves in the draft lottery.
There’s also the view that Bargs’ departure was “addition by subtraction”. He was owed $11M in his final contract year, and the Knicks had the pleasure of paying him that. In exchange, he gave them another injury-filled and disappointing season, then was dumped. Bargs has signed with Brooklyn for chump change.
Next: Paying pennies for a diamond in the rough