Currently working in public-relations, our insider has maintained various contacts during his years employed within different areas of the Toronto sporting industry.

With the signing of Dominic McGuire, the Raptors now have 14 players on guaranteed contracts for the upcoming NBA season.  The roster appears pretty much set with further deals expected for Jamaal Magloire and Chris Wright.

The only question mark remaining is over the future of Jose Calderon.  While it’s no secret the point guard has expressed interest in leaving, what isn’t so certain is where the Spanish international will end up.  Sources have now indicated Bryan Colangelo is still attempting to keep the point guard.

The only reason Calderon wants a trade is because he is no longer guaranteed a starting spot after the addition of Kyle Lowry.  However, while his defensive deficiencies are not as bad as critics claim, the Spaniard would still be better suited coming off the bench and playing against the opposition’s second unit.

Calderon enjoys Toronto, something that can not be underestimated and as the longest-serving Raptor, he would provide excellent leadership and experience for a relatively young roster.  Of course, the key will be whether Colangelo can persuade the 30-year old that staying is his best option moving forward.

If Calderon still decides that he wants to leave, he provides an attractive proposition for teams looking to upgrade at the point guard position.  Statistically, he has always had an impressive high assist, low-turnover ratio, something that should provide immediate help for someone.

The team that appears to be the best match for Calderon is the New Orleans Hornets.  Since losing Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers and trading Jarrett Jack to the Golden State Warriors, the Hornets are undermanned at the point guard position.

A move to “The Big Easy” would provide Calderon with the opportunity to start right away.  It would also be an exciting time to join the team after the recent addition of the unibrow, aka number one overall draft pick Anthony Davis.  Together with the return of a healthy Eric Gordon, this is a team with the potential to challenge for a playoff-spot.

The major sticking point is the Spaniards $10.6 million salary, with the Hornets currently over the $58 million salary cap.  If he has to trade him, Colangelo would prefer to send Calderon to a team that can provide Toronto with the option of a trade exception and give them financial flexibility for any future moves.

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Photo credit: www.interbasket.net

• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• September 13, 2012
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Currently working in public-relations, our insider has maintained various contacts during his years employed within different areas of the Toronto sporting industry.

With the NFL season set to kick off tonight, breaking news has just reached us concerning free agent Chad Johnson.  According to sources in Montreal, he’s apparently considering playing in the CFL.

The flamboyant wide receiver has struggled to find any interest from NFL teams since being released from the Miami Dolphins as a result of his arrest for allegedly head-butting his estranged wife.

The idea of playing in Canada came about almost by accident last year, when Johnson was in Montreal filming a guest star appearance on Blue Mountain State.  In light of recent developments south of the border, Johnson now appears to be seriously contemplating the CFL after remembering how he enjoyed his time in Canada.

This move could be just what the former All-Pro needs as he attempts to repair his tarnished reputation, surely benefitting from the bigger playing fields and emphasis on passing.

While critics will point to the CFL salary cap as a major stumbling block to any agreement with the Argonauts, remember Ricky Williams previously played for them during 2006 when he was suspended from the NFL.  The recently retired running back has often stated how much he enjoyed the experience in Toronto

Johnson’s fall from grace means he is more open to playing for less money to try and get his career back on track and prove he’s serious about football.  Also, despite his ties to Montreal, Toronto provides a better fit, given his love for social media.

The Argonauts present the ideal platform for Johnson to interact with fans in the fifth-largest market in North America.  When you combine the fact Toronto is hosting this year’s Grey Cup, which also doubles as the 100th anniversary celebration, it suddenly becomes clear why Johnson is considering the Argos.

While it’s tough to measure the likelihood of this happening, especially pending the result of his domestic battery charge, it certainly wouldn’t hurt the Argonauts to pick up the phone and find out exactly how serious Johnson is. Certainly he’s desperate enough to win Evelyn Lozado back by having her face tattooed onto his leg.

Photo credit: Twitter

• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• September 5, 2012
• Comment