  DeMar DeRozan of the Raptors (left) is stripped of the ball by Mikael Pietrus of the Suns during NBA action in February. The Raps are acquiring Pietrus from the Suns. (Dave Abel/QMI Agency/Files) |
TORONTO - When Bryan Colangelo wants a player, he often gets him, even if it’s a few years later.
He strongly considered signing Mickael Pietrus back in July of 2007 before instead opting for Jason Kapono, but is finally about to get his man.
Pietrus will be traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Raptors as early as Friday, when official NBA business can resume, in exchange for a conditional second round draft pick –- likely protected 31-50 –- that probably will never be conveyed.
Pietrus, an athletic 29-year-old swingman, is owed $5.3 million US in the final year of his deal and will bring Toronto some much-needed depth at small forward.
A fully healthy Pietrus – he missed the final 12 games of the 2010-11 season — could usurp James Johnson as the starter since he is a better three-point shooter and defender.
The Raptors do the Suns a favour (giving them a better chance at retaining Grant Hill) and get a player Colangelo has always admired.
The native of Guadeloupe, France, was the 11th overall selection of the 2003 draft by the Golden State Warriors and has averaged 8.5 points per game in 21.4 minutes.
Pietrus was a strong performer for the 2008-09 Orlando Magic, who made it all the way to the Finals.
