Wilson Chandler is in Toronto to discuss the possibility of signing with the Raptors, according to Sam Amick of SI.com (via Twitter). Agent Chris Luchey tells Amick that his client is staying in touch with the Nuggets, but is exploring all his options (Twitter link).
Chandler has already met with the Nuggets and expressed interest in joining the team on a long-term deal, if possible. As a restricted free agent, however, the 24-year-old is eligible to sign an offer sheet with another club before March 1st — the Nuggets would then have the opportunity to match it. Chandler, who still requires clearance by FIBA before he officially signs with an NBA team, hopes to get a deal done within a week.
Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld reported late last month that the Raptors planned to "make life hard" for the Nuggets when Chandler returned from China. While I expect Chandler to end up signing with Denver, the DePaul product could become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he and the Nuggets don't work out a multiyear deal. The Raptors will have plenty of salary, including Leandro Barbosa's $7.6MM, coming off their books, so they could make a run at Chandler at that point if he's available. Chandler and Luchey may use that as leverage in the next few days as they make their case for a long-term deal with Denver.