Kleiza Signs Raptors Offer Sheet
On Thursday afternoon, the Toronto Raptors announced their signing of Lithuanian forward Linas Kleiza to an offer sheet. Kleiza, who played with the Denver Nuggets from 2006 to 2009, spent last year in Greece playing for the Olympiacos B.C., a member of the Greek league and the Euroleague.
The reported offer is worth $18.8 million over four years. Starting Saturday, the Denver Nuggets, who still own rights to the 6'8" forward, will have one week to match the offer before the Toronto Raptors can officially complete the deal in accordance to the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
In 2009-2010, he averaged 17.1 points and 6.5 rebounds in 22 Euroleague-sanctioned games and led the Olympiacos B.C. to the Championship game. Over four seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Kleiza had per game totals of nearly 10 points and 3.5 rebounds in limited minutes.
Although Kleiza was born in Lithuania, he completed high school in Maryland and played at the University of Missouri. He was drafted 27th overall in 2005 by the Portland Trail Blazers before being acquired by the Nuggets.
Last week, the Raptors also announced the re-signing of forward Amir Johnson. The Raptors organization is planning to take several steps this offseason and years to come after losing their star player Chris Bosh to Miami and in attempt of building a playoff contender.
