Raptors make a trade -- but it's a small one

This isn't going to go down as earth-shattering but the Raptors have made a small deal.

They've acquired David Andersen from the Houston Rockets and some cash for a future second round draft pick, according to team sources.

Big? No. A deal? Yes.

Andersen slides into the trade exception and the second-round pick that goes out is one for 2015 belonging to the Clippers and is protected Nos. 51-55.

I know, that's as obscure a pick as you can imagine.

Andersen's hardly overwhelming but is maybe intriguing.

He's a 6-11 Australian who came to Houston from a career in Europe and Russia last season and averaged 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and about 14 minutes a game in 63 games.

He's more depth for the frontcourt and with a contract that pays him $2.5 million this season with a team option at $2.7 million for 2011-12, he's hardly a bank-breaker.

Comments

[Sharkey]

Just curious, why would they do that and not keep Dwayne Jones? I figured Jones would basically slide into the seat kept cozy by O'Bryant last year

[brent]

Looking at his numbers, I would have to suspect that BC's pretty close to something that would send Reggie out of town . . .

[Pipit]

Sad to say, this kind of deal are the only deals that Toronto can get. Accept the fact that big time players don't want to play in our city even if you offer them the money. Less exposure means less chances of making big time money.

Blogger's note: It's a deal to add depth at the end of the bench; they're not done and this is a small, minor transaction.

[rick]

BC keeps Getting PFs (Anderson isnt a true center). I want a 7 foot rebounding defensive center (i know easier said then done but common)

[camilin]

OK, good little move, now if we can get Evans out of town, that'd be great;

[Miguel]

Since when is Moscow, Russia (where he played) not a part of Europe?

[PK]

And in other news...this deal falls through!!!

[mark]

this is what brian colangelo has been working on????????? i know if i presented this garbage to my boss i would be fired instantly.

Blogger's note: You don't imagine he could be working on, say, two or three or four things at the same time and one gets done before the others, do you? That couldn't be

[shane]

Does this deal pretty much use up the TPE from Phoenix?

Blogger's note: Yep

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Hi Doug,
Is Quincy Douby still a Raptor? Is the roster at 14 now, or 15?
Cheers.

Blogger's note: The Q is long gone and I've got them at 15.

[Duncan Smith]

This guy fits with what the team is trying to become. He moves well and can shoot so the up tempo offensive game should be up his alley. At 30 he isn't a part of the future but is a fit for BC's supposed game plan.

Myself I still want to see a big who can block, bang and rebound with 95% of the league (That can also score once in a while so that they can be a starter[maybe the kids are for that])

I think the Suns have proven that an up tempo team can be successful but can't win it all. We need a big defensive big [in my uneducated opinion]

[DP]

Rudy Fernandez seems like he would be a good fit at the three here and he's available...Any word if TO is in the mix for him? Beyond the usual chatter, anything serious?

[ad]

I dont know why BC is stockpiling all these mediocre players. The Raps have enough power forwards even w/o evans. They need a center and sf.

[Peter]

@ Miguel

I think the Russian league and the Euro league are separate (someone can correct me if I'm wrong) which is probably what Doug was referrring to (again, correct me if I'm wrong).

I actually kind of like this pick-up. He's a low-price, serviceable back-up who can contribute coming off the bench.

Thanks for the update Doug, regardless of the magnitude of it, you're definitely the place to go for accurate Raps info.

Cheers.

[Rapitup]

Miguel,

Russia is a country in Asia not Europe. It is considered 'socially' to be European, but geographically its always been Asian.

Russia is as much part or Europe as Mexico would be part of South America.

[pk]

2.5 million... I would have thought he gets less than a million... wow.

[CM]

Oh my some of the comments you get Doug, I can't believe it. 'I'm so frightened that this is the only thing Colangelo is working on, what a waste of time.' Give me a break, this is a good little pickup, and he still has his value pieces to move if another deal works out. Thanks for the Update Doug. Raps fans, cut the drama queen act.

[Gordon]

Looks to have a nice touch and some post moves; But, with not much defense and marginal rebounding skills I don't know how he might fit. Unless it as a plug in guy off the bench when the offense is struggling. Although, he has the tools and with more exposure to the NBA game and work ethic he could provide a little something-something. I still say a package of expiring contracts for Okafor and the trade exemption for Igudala would absolutely make my off season. If only it was that easy Id be a GM.

[Raptoronto]

The player himself is irrelevant in this trade:

Houston get:
Save $ in tax relief (they are over the luxury line).
2nd rounder

Raptors get:
Cash to pay for Andersen's contract (so he's free)
A valuable trading chip - contract for the following season is only gteed till Aug.

[ray]

Rick @4:48

Dude it's come on NOT common!!!!!

[ray]

@Miguel

Russia has NEVER been a part of EUROPE its on its own !!!! RUSSIA is a country and EUROPE is a CONTINENT

[Adam]

R.I.P Lorenzen Wright. Terrible news after hearing of him gone missing for 2 weeks. Hope these people/person gets caught, put in jail with the key thrown away. Never should take a life. Prayers go out to his family and friends.

[Jdot]

I can understand the move, they need depth at centre as Andrea is not a centre...This is still a team that will finish very close if not Last in the NBA. Doug I know you are close to the GM and it seems you put a positive spin on most things Raptors, but Colangelo has been a failure in 2010 so far.

Blogger's note: Tell you what. Let's talk in April about last in the NBA, okay?

[Mike kovacs]

Russia is part of Asia.

[Jeff S.]

starters: jack, demar, weems, amir, bargs
backups: jose, leandro, kleiza, davis, anderson

Backups could beat the starters in practice I'm liking this depth...