RIDNOUR RIDES AGAIN
The Toronto Raptors acquired point guard Luke Ridnour and cash from the Oklahoma City Thunder for a trade exception worth $2.85 million and the rights to combo forward Tomislav Zubcic.
What does it give the Toronto Raptors
Ridnour has been dealt four times this week, and must feel like a trading card at this point. And for good reason--his contract is the trading chip NBA teams have coveted. It's fully non-guaranteed if Ridnour is waived by July 10, and that would take almost $3 million off the Raptors' salary cap. Such a move would free up significant dollars to sign free agents, and the rising Raptors look intent on being players in free agency this summer.
What does it give the Oklahoma City Thunder
By moving Ridnour the Thunder essentially keeps the same salary cap maneuverability they had with him on the roster (since they get the trade exception roughly worth his salary). Having the trade exception means that, over the next year, Oklahoma City can bring in a player with Ridnour's salary without it affecting their cap. Meanwhile they also get the rights to Zubcic (who's still young but playing in Europe).
Fantasy impact
There's no direct fantasy impact with this deal (since it's mostly financial), and it will be surprising if Ridnour ever plays for the Raptors (since his contract is the key asset for them here). The talented Zubcic will be an intriguing player to watch for if he ever decides to make the jump to the NBA, but that doesn't appear imminent.
