Can Raptors move Valanciunas for another bad contract?

Even if Jonas Valanciunas is truly on a bad contract, would it be possible to dump him anyway? Let’s have some fun with that idea.

Loyal readers know I wrote recently about Jonas Valanciunas being the most expendable member of the Toronto Raptors. By happy coincidence, I came across a post in Hoops Hype which each NBA team’s worst contract. The author picks JV’s deal as our team’s representative.

What might happen if I indulged myself in a little Trade Proposal with a hook, to wit: could we trade JV’s bad deal for someone else’s and come out ahead?

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 13: Pau Gasol /

The post reminded me of how many insanely bad deals NBA teams have talked themselves into. Omer Asik somehow induced the New Orleans Pelicans to sign him to a 5-year, 58 million dollar mugging. He hasn’t played since February, and is listed as “ill”. I think that might just as well apply to the misguided GM who inked this woeful deal.

Joakim Noah hypnotized Phil Jackson long enough to get an 4-year, $ 72 million offer from the New York Knicks in 2016. The question with Noah isn’t whether he’ll earn that money with strong play: it’s if he can actually get on the floor again. He’s got an injury history longer than Michael Jordan’s accomplishments.

That’s enough laughter from behind my polka-dot handkerchief. What can we do with Jonas?

Not so zany…

Here’s a fun idea – bring Tristan Thompson home! Yes, the Toronto native son is named as Cleveland’s worst contract. I tried a straight swap on the Trade Machine, and it works. Tristan’s low PER this season is surely the reason the algorithm has determined the Raptors would be four games worse following this deal, and the Cavs five games better. I’d want to know a lot more about Tristan’s health before getting serious about this trade. On the surface, it’s not crazy for either side.

Zach Randolph, the greybeard power forward of the Memphis Grizzlies for many seasons and now in Sacramento with the dreadful Kings, also has a bad contract. The money doesn’t work, so Sac-to would have to throw in one of their kids. I don’t know whether Zach still has much left in his tank. He was a fine player for a long time. He’s wasted in central California and would surely welcome a move to a contender.

Pau Gasol in San Antonio supposedly has their worst deal. About 90% of NBA teams would be thrilled to have that future Hall of Famer as their bad-contract nominee. We could swap JV for him money-wise, but I’m sure Spurs GM R.C. Buford would suspect Masai of pulling his leg if he called with that offer.

Finally, Andre Iguodala is in Golden State for what will surely be the last years of his career. Swapping him works money-wise, and another veteran wouldn’t hurt the Raptors bench or locker room. Regardless, JV is 25 and should be entering his best years (please!). Andre is 33. Pass.

Do you like any of these deals, Rapture Nation? Comments please.

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