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News » Delfino, Ukic latest to exit


Delfino, Ukic latest to exit


Delfino, Ukic latest to exit
When Bryan Colangelo decided last June to remake the Raptors in the wake of a disappointing NBA season, even he probably couldn't have imagine the breadth of his reconstruction project.

When the team's most recent move becomes official - a four-player transaction with the Milwaukee Bucks keyed around forward-centre Amir Johnson coming and swingman Carlos Delfino going - the Raptors will have added 12 new pieces to a 15-man roster in a year.

The only three players who will be in training camp next month that were here a year ago are power forward Chris Bosh, point guard Jose Calderon and centre Andrea Bargnani as the team has undergone a shocking transformation.

The Raptors will get Johnson, a 6-11 big man, and 6-6 swingman Sonny Weems from the Bucks in return for Delfino and young point guard Roko Ukic.

Because the deal has not been officially consummated - sources aren't certain when the trade call with league officials will be held - no one from either team would comment publicly yesterday.

However, insiders say there appear to be no obstacles to getting it done.

Johnson, 22, averaged 14 minutes and 3.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game with the Detroit Pistons last year before being traded to Milwaukee in June.

The financial aspect of the deal will be felt at the end of next season.

Johnson has just one year and $3,666,667 (all figures U.S.) left on his contract while Ukic had an option for $1,450,000 in the 2010-11 season. Weems will make the league minimum of $736,420 next season with no guarantee beyond that.

And with the expectation that the salary cap and luxury tax thresholds will drop next season, any long-term savings will help to keep some kind of financial flexibility for Colangelo, team president and general manager.

But giving up on Ukic is a gamble, even for a Toronto team with a surfeit of point guards.

The 24-year-old struggled at times in his rookie season but at 6-foot-5 and with the ability to break down defences, his skill set could see him eventually thrive in the NBA.

However, with Calderon and Jarrett Jack cemented as the top two point guards on the roster and Quincy Douby seemingly able to handle third-string duties if necessary, Ukic is expendable.

Delfino spent last season with Khimki in the Russian league after a year with Toronto and three with the Detroit Pistons.


Author: Fox Sports
Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com
Added: August 18, 2009

 

 
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