Rasho Nesterovic is coming back to his adopted hometown.
The veteran centre, who spent two seasons with the Raptors before being traded to Indiana a year ago, has agreed in principle to a one-year deal worth about $1.9 million (U.S.), the so-called biannual exception to the NBA's salary cap. The move comes as little surprise since president and general manager Bryan Colangelo has long held that the 33-year-old 7-footer is exactly the kind of solid veteran the team covets in a second unit role.
The deal also works moneywise for the Raptors , who retain any financial flexibility they will have at the end of next season.
Nesterovic, who maintained a home in Toronto despite playing in Indiana, averaged 6.8 points and 3.4 rebounds a game with the Pacers, starting 19 of the 70 games he appeared in last season.
Coveted by a handful of European teams, Nesterovic made it no secret he wanted to return to the Raptors . He said in a recent interview that he never wanted to leave but understood the business aspects of the NBA that necessitated his inclusion in the trade for Jermaine O'Neal.
His role in Toronto is clear: He will be the backup centre behind Andrea Bargnani and now with Nesterovic, Bargnani, Chris Bosh, Reggie Evans and Patrick O'Bryant, the Raptors are set in the front court.
Colangelo has one roster spot left and negotiations continue with former Raptor Carlos Delfino.
