<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Jorge Garbajosa might soon be jettisoned by the Toronto Raptors. Media outlets in Spain reported Tuesday that the Raptors want to buy out the final year of Garbajosa's contract. The Spanish forward is slated to make $4.25 million US next season, his third with Toronto. Garbajosa, 30, played just seven games last season before he underwent a second surgery on the leg he injured in a 95-87 loss at Boston on March 26, 2007.</div> source Pce Garbo (u'll b missed) and its another loss for the raps MY List of ex raptors that are really missed: 1) marcus camby 2) Charlie V 3) Billups 4) T-mac 5) Mo pete 6) Garbo
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Whenever Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell was questioned about the team’s struggles this season, he had a go-to explanation: injuries. There were none bigger, he would say, than the loss of Jorge Garbajosa, who served as Toronto’s starting small forward for most of their Atlantic Division-winning season in 2006-07. But if the Raptors should falter next season, Garbajosa likely will not be around for anyone to point to. Several Spanish media outlets were reporting yesterday that the Raptors are in negotiations to buy out the remaining year on Garbajosa’s contract, which is worth US$4.25-million. The move would make Garbajosa a free agent, and might be the first step in a return to Europe. Raptors president and general manager, Bryan Colangelo, declined comment when reached. There are plenty of reasons why Toronto could be leaning toward the move, all of which relate to Garbajosa’s left leg, which he has had surgery on twice during his tenure with Toronto. After the regular season ended, Colangelo said the team would not allow Garbajosa to play for Spain in the upcoming Olympics. Yet, Spain named the forward to its 15-man roster for its Olympic training camp recently. Given that Garbajosa played for Spain in last summer’s European championship, and that the team sued the Spanish basketball federation over the specifics of an insurance premium the country bought for Garbajosa’s leg, the Raptors would likely be reticent to allow him to play again when he is not at full health. The move would give Toronto additional space under the luxury tax threshold and clear another roster spot, but it would eliminate the possibility of trading Garbajosa and his valuable expiring contract to another team for a player with a longer deal. With Garbajosa almost certainly out of the picture, Toronto’s search for a scoring wing, already a priority before this news, will almost certainly intensify. Elsewhere with the Raptors, restricted free agent Jose Calderon has parted ways with his U.S.-based agent, George Bass. Paco Lopez Costell, based out of Spain, will be Calderon’s lone representative.</div> <div align="center">Source: The National Post</div>
It really is bad luck. If it weren't for that freak injury, he'd have had a very nice NBA career to complement his stellar international career. I was a huge fan of his and I loved seeing the bond between him and Jose. Hopefully he can still play some quality ball for Spain.
but like why buy him out? his contract expires after next season and with all teams wanting cap room for the 2010-2011 season he could be big help for a trade!
Probably just so they can save 3 million or whatever if they buy him out. + luxury tax dollars if they are over the luxtax line.
This proves it, #15 for the Raptors is a cursed number because of Vince quiting on his teammates. Damn you Vince Carter for taking out Jorge.
