On paper Jose Calderon seems like a prime trade piece for Toronto — 11.1 points and 7.4 assists per game, shooting 43.4 percent from three, he is solid and plays smart, plus he is in the final year of a $10 million contract.
But that’s not the point guard they are looking to move, reports Ken Berger at CBSSports.com (part of a longer article about the Lakers options).And while Jose Calderon has frequently been mentioned as trade bait, league sources say the Raptors are far more amenable to trading Kyle Lowry, who has not made many friends in his new surroundings….
Kyle Lowry, who has quickly worn out his welcome in Toronto, could be an option for the Mavs or Hawks, who are both in need of point-guard help. With only $1 million guaranteed next season, Lowry would be a short-term fix without clogging up future cap space.
Where Calderon is calculated and more of a classic point guard, Lowry attacks with abandon. Too much abandon for Toronto’s taste on the court, plus as Berger mentioned there are no shortage of stories about him just not fitting in the locker room there. Lowry is set to make $6.2 million next year but can be bought out by July 15 for just $1 million.
Which means look for Lowry to end up moved before the Feb. 21 trade deadline.