The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors are working out a deal that would send 7-foot power forward Andrea Bargnani to NYC.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski , the teams were finalizing the agreement on Sunday evening but still required league approval to complete the deal.
If the deal is approved, the New York Knicks would send veteran center Marcus Camby and sharp-shooting guard Steve Novak to Toronto. The Knicks would also hand off several draft picks. Draft choices would include a future first-rounder and a second-round pick.
Andrea Bargnani is a highly sought after power forward, but league sources claim the New York Knicks are the favorite to land his services.
While Bargnani, the 2006 No. 1 draft pick, still has $22 million on his contract, the Raptors’ new general manager Masai Ujiri has made it a priority to ship him out by July 1.
Over the last seven NBA seasons, Bargnani has managed a low average of 15.2 points per game and 4.8 rebounds.
During his time in the NBA, Bargnani has led an injury-prone career that has disappointed Raptor’s fans and apparently Toronto Raptors management.
If the deal goes through, the Knicks will find themselves in further short-term financial trouble. The team is already over the luxury-tax threshold, and Bargnani would add $23 million over the next two seasons alongside a $500,000 signing bonus.
The Bargnani trade is also being viewed as insurance just in case J.R. Smith decided to bolt from the team in free agency. Teams already reported to be pursuing Smith include the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns. The Knicks can offer J.R. Smith “early Bird rights” valued at $5.58 million. Smith and his family have already agreed to meet with Knicks head coach Mike Woodson.
Do you think Andrea Bargnani would be a welcomed addition to the New York Knicks?
