GotGibson?
Bench Warmer
The Toronto Raptors had focused their free-agent efforts on re-signing forward Shawn Marion early Friday.
The Toronto Globe and Mail reported that the Raptors have a four-year deal on the table worth more than $8 million per year, but sources close to the situation told ESPN.com later Friday that a verbal agreement is not imminent.
The situation is fluid considering reports late Friday had Hedo Turkoglu spurning the Portland Trail Blazers' offer in favor of the Raptors. He would be paid in the neighborhood or $50 million for five years. If the deal is reached, Marion would likely be not be re-signed by the Raptors.
With or without Marion, Toronto is interested in free agent forwards Linas Kleiza and Raptors alumnus Carlos Delfino and has not abandoned hope of finding a way to retain Anthony Parker. Kleiza and Parker are also drawing interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who missed out on initial targets Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza.
Marion averaged 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in 27 games with the Raptors last season after Toronto sent Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon to Miami in a midseason deal for Marion and Marcus Banks. The Raptors finished a disappointing season strong by having Marion and Andrea Bargnani flanking Chris Bosh in stead of playing a traditional center.
The Toronto Globe and Mail reported that the Raptors have a four-year deal on the table worth more than $8 million per year, but sources close to the situation told ESPN.com later Friday that a verbal agreement is not imminent.
The situation is fluid considering reports late Friday had Hedo Turkoglu spurning the Portland Trail Blazers' offer in favor of the Raptors. He would be paid in the neighborhood or $50 million for five years. If the deal is reached, Marion would likely be not be re-signed by the Raptors.
With or without Marion, Toronto is interested in free agent forwards Linas Kleiza and Raptors alumnus Carlos Delfino and has not abandoned hope of finding a way to retain Anthony Parker. Kleiza and Parker are also drawing interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who missed out on initial targets Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza.
Marion averaged 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in 27 games with the Raptors last season after Toronto sent Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon to Miami in a midseason deal for Marion and Marcus Banks. The Raptors finished a disappointing season strong by having Marion and Andrea Bargnani flanking Chris Bosh in stead of playing a traditional center.
