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Raptors GM Ujiri wins: Bargnani becomes Knicks' problem

  • Frank Doyle's Author profile. Frank Doyle

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It’s official Toronto Raptors fans – Andrea Bargnani is now a member of the New York Knicks.

The trade which was a widely-spread rumor last week is now a reality as Bargnani goes to the Knicks in exchange for reserves Steve Novak, Marcus Camby and Quentin Richardson, as well as a 2016 first-round pick and second-round picks in 2014 and 2017. Yes, you read that correctly: the Knicks actually gave the Raptors something for Bargs.

As Al Dannity said last week, Bargnani may still end up to be a decent player, but it just wasn’t going to work in Toronto. The former No. 1 overall pick averaged 15.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in seven seasons with the Raptors. So, not terrible numbers. Problem is, those aren’t the type of numbers you want for a No. 1 pick who still has two years and more than $22 million remaining on his contract.

“He can score both inside and out,” Knicks coach Mike Woodson told reporters. “He will be a great complement to Carmelo (Anthony), Tyson (Chandler) and Amar’e (Stoudemire).”

You have to wonder whether Woodson was accidently watching Bargnani footage from 2011 instead of last season with those comments. Last year, Barnani spent more time on the bench or in the medical room than anywhere else while Toronto supporters grew more and more frustrated.

At any rate, this deal caps off a busy few days for both teams. The Raptors made an interesting move by signing Tyler Hansbrough Tuesday to a multi-year deal. If nothing else, Hansbrough will add a bit of grit to the lineup, something the Raptors desperately lack. However, he’s still a work in progress on the offensive end and put up just seven points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season with the Indiana Pacers.

Whether these moves pay off for Toronto Raptors GM Masai Ujiri remains to be seen, but he has to be commended for actually getting something – let alone some high draft picks – for Bargnani. Hansbrough’s toughness should help too. Right now, the Toronto Raptors’ odds aren’t good that they will make the playoffs next season. Though with Andrew Wiggins possibly available in the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft, maybe the Raps might actually get a No. 1 pick right this time around if they bottom out again next year.