NBA Trade Rumors: Jose Calderon Reportedly Won't Be Moved Before Deadline

Jose Calderon would be a nice addition for a contending team before the trade deadline, but it appears the Toronto Raptors are only listening to offers at this point.

Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun wrote on Tuesday:

"

Moving Calderon doesn’t make much sense at this point—he has had a fine season and is the only man on the roster capable of being a starting point guard in the NBA. He will be even more valuable in the summer with only a year left on his contract should the team acquire other options by then. Or he could stay put with a bevy of talented young potentially restricted free agent point guards hitting the market in the summer of 2013.

"

Calderon is averaging 10.9 points and 8.9 assists this season while shooting 46 percent from the floor. Although he's never been known for his defense, his ability to break down defenses and find his open teammates has made him a favorite in Toronto. He's also a career 38 percent three-point shooter.

It's only natural for teams to inquire about Calderon, and Raptors management wouldn't be doing its job if it didn't at least listen to offers.

But Wolstat is right. There's no reason for the Raptors to move Calderon at this point. If he keeps playing like this, his stock will only rise next season. The Raptors could then either trade him at the deadline in 2013 or wait until free agency and hope some big signings could convince him to stay.

This, of course, isn't good news for contending teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, who are dying for a starting point guard.

There's still the possibility of the Raptors trading Calderon by March 15 if they get an offer they can't refuse, but it's highly unlikely.

For this season, at least, expect Calderon to remain a Raptor.

Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about basketball-related matters.