According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri was shopping Jonas Valanciunas, the team’s starting center, and the 23rd overall pick. Valanciunas has spent his entire five-year career with the Raps since the team drafted the 25-year-old Lithuanian fifth overall in 2011. For his career, Valanciunas has averaged 11.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. However, Valanciunas has never meshed with head coach Dwane Casey who often limited his minutes in the fourth quarter.
With NBA revenues lower than expected, the NBA salary cap is expected to be only $99 million next season. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the Raptors might be looking to reduce their payroll.