The Raptors don't necessarily have to amnesty Jose Calderon to create the necessary cap space to make Steve Nash an aggressive offer in free agency, but it seems like the team is at least considering it. Clearing Calderon from their books could give the Raptors the flexibility to try to sign not just Nash, but another quality free agent as well. If Toronto does decide to use its amnesty provision on Calderon, the Lakers may have the inside track on picking him up, says ESPN.com's Marc Stein.
According to Stein, if Calderon is amnestied and clears waivers, he is excited about the possibility of signing with the Lakers and playing with fellow Spaniard Pau Gasol. Stein adds that Calderon also has some interest in teaming up with Luis Scola, whever he's playing next season, and that the Heat and Spurs are two potential destinations that intrigue Calderon as well.
Of course, for Calderon to get to the Lakers or one of the other destinations that reportedly interests him, two major hurdles are required. There's no guarantee Toronto will even amnesty the point guard, who will be on an expiring contract in 2012/13. And if he is amnestied, Calderon is a useful enough player that it wouldn't be a surprise to see an under-the-cap club bid on him via the amnesty waiver process.
Calderon is set to earn north of $10.5MM for the 2012/13 season.
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