1/12/11
Perkins and Brewer sent to Toronto for Bargnani
Toronto has today traded former number one pick Andrea Bargnani and rookie Vince O'Mahony to Oklahoma City.
In return they receive center Kendrick Perkins, swingman Corey Brewer and the Thunder's 2012 first round draft pick.
Rumours are doing the rounds that Thunder superstar Kevin Durant was involved in this deal being completed.
It is believed that Durant met with coach Brooks and made clear his feelings about his lessoned game time this season.
A deeper roster has led to extra rotations and it has affected the chemistry between the likes of Durant and Westbrook.
The talented pair's numbers are down this year compared to the last 2 seasons. Clearly they weren't happy sharing minutes.
Durant averaged almost 32 points per game in each of the last two seasons. He is currently scoring only 24 per game.
Westbrook has gone from 9.6 apg in 2009 to 12.2 last season, but is only managing 7 per game this season.
It had seemed that the Thunder hierarchy were pleased with their roster, but they were keen to keep their star player happy.
The 2010 MVP has been the foundation behind the Thunder's earlier than expected championship challenges.
General manager Sam Presti commented on the deal:"I can't predict the future, but as far as I'm concerned this will be the last deal we make for quite a while.
Andrea is a player we've been interested in for quite a while. But circumstances didn't allow us to pursue him until now.
With his contract running for several years we didn't have the option to sign him for nothing or save cap room and forego other options.
So we signed guys like Al [Horford] and Kevin [Love], and they've done really well for us. Kevin is established as a starter for us now.
We finally had enough pieces to interest Toronto in discussing a deal. They've been sorely lacking a quality center for many years.
Perk and Corey are good enough to start for most teams in the league. They never complained about having a bench role here though.
Being a number one pick puts a lot of pressure on a player. We hope that he can fulfil his potential with our team."
Toronto have been looking for a true center for many years and will be happy to acquire former Celtic Perkins.
The Raptors are his fourth team in just three years. They hope he settles in Toronto and plays out his career there.
Brewer was an excellent back-up to Durant during. He will likely fight Linas Kleiza for a starting berth in Toronto.
Bargnani was the star player in Toronto since Chris Bosh left for Miami. He's been in great form this season too.
The 7 foot Italian is averaging 27.6 ppg, 11.3 rpg and 2.5 bpg and has started in all 14 of Toronto's games so far.
This deal gives them a deep bench. With the likes of Amir Johnson, Jerryd Bayless, DeMar DeRozan and of course Brewer.Oklahoma City receive
Andrea Bargnani - 26 years old - PF - $42.25m - 4 years (83)
Vince O'Mahony - 22 years old - SG - $1.15m - 2 years (50)
Projected line-up
Brook Lopez - Kevin Love - Kevin Durant - James Harden - Russell Westbrook
Bench options
George Hill - Andrea Bargnani - Shannon Brown - Serge Ibaka
Toronto receive
Kendrick Perkins - 27 years old - C - $5.85m - 1 year (77)
Corey Brewer - 25 years old - SF - $17.77m - 3 years (77)
Thunder's 2012 1st Round Draft Pick
Projected line-up
Kendrick Perkins - Tyrus Thomas - Linas Kleiza - Jose Calderon - Jarrett Jack
Bench options
Corey Brewer - Jerryd Bayless - Amir Johnson - DeMar DeRozan