The new Raptors general manager acquired disappointing center Rasho Nesterovic from the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday for forwards Matt Bonner, Eric Williams and a 2009 second-round pick.
It is the second trade in less than two weeks that Colangelo has pulled off. On June 8, he acquired forward Kris Humphries and center Robert Whaley from the Utah Jazz for center Rafael Araujo.
The latest deal will allow the Raptors to slide over Chris Bosh from center to his natural position of forward. Bosh also has been negotiating a long-term contract with the Raptors.
Colangelo and the Raptors also own the first pick in next week’s NBA draft.
The 2005 NBA Executive of the Year with Phoenix, Colangelo was lured to Toronto in February. He has the task of trying to turn around a team that went just 27-55 this past season.
Nesterovic, 30, comes to the Raptors halfway through a six-year, $45 million contract he signed with the Spurs in July 2003. The 7-footer struggled in San Antonio, averaging 6.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in three seasons with the club.
In eight seasons overall, Nesterovic has averaged 7.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 548 career games.
In Bonner and Williams, the Spurs add depth. However, the bigger move was ridding themselves of Nesterovic’s contract.
The 6-10 Bonner, who has an outside game, has averaged 7.3 points in his first two seasons, both with the Raptors.
“We are excited about the additions of Eric and Matt,” Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. “Matt is a big who who has the unique ability of knocking down the outside shot and will help us spread the floor. Eric gives us a steady veteran presence and some added depth at the forward position.”
Williams, 33, is an aging veteran who has failed to play more than 34 games in any of the last three seasons. He averaged a career-low 3.3 points in 28 contests last season.
