Barbosa to stick with Raptors
By RYAN WOLSTAT, QMI Agency
|
  
|
  Toronto Raptors guard Leandro Barbosa of Brazil and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook fight for a loose ball during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City March 20, 2011. (REUTERS/Bryan Terry) |
It appears Leandro Barbosa will not be heading back to Brazil after all.
Toronto Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo told QMI Agency Saturday afternoon that Barbosa has picked up his $7.6 million U.S. player option for the 2011-2012 season. Barbosa beat a midnight deadline to make a call.
There had been speculation Barbosa would play in his native Brazil since a looming lockout threatens to wipe out the NBA season.
This would have given the Raptors a huge boost in cap space.
Both sides have also expressed interest in renegotiating Barbosa's contract into a longer deal.
