Toronto Raptors Open to Trading Andrea Bargnani

The Toronto Raptors are in the midst of a major overhaul, and there’s apparently a chance that former No. 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani is moved as part of the ongoing shakeup. 

According to Eric Koreen of the National Post, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo is receptive to the idea of trading the Italian big man, but isn’t going to dump him off for the sake of doing so.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see another brazen deal made north of the border, as the Raps made shockwaves on Wednesday by flipping Jose Calderon and Ed Davis in a three-way, six-player trade to acquire Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies.

At 16-30, Toronto has no illusions about competing in the 2013 playoffs, but clearly is trying to position itself for the future and make a postseason run for the first time since 2008.

Bargnani, one of the more productive players under contract, hasn’t played since mid-December, as he is dealing with an elbow injury that has kept him out of the lineup.

The seven-footer still has three years and just over $32 million left on his deal (including the 2012-13 campaign), a reasonable price for a player that has averaged 15.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.9 blocks over his seven-year career.

While Bargnani isn’t a prototypical center that bangs for boards and outmuscles opponents in the paint, he does possess a deft touch on his jumper and adds a new dimension to an offense when he is out on the floor.

There certainly should be some intrigue around the league for a player with his services, especially with the Feb. 21 trading deadline looming just around the corner.