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The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have traded guard Leandro Barbosa to the Indiana Pacers for a 2012 second-round draft pick and cash considerations.
“It’s great to have Leandro join our team,” said President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “He gives us added depth and scoring off the bench and will help us as we make our run to the playoffs.”
“This is another move being made with the future in mind,” said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo. “It’s difficult to let a player like Leandro go, but this trade further underscores our plan of maximizing salary cap flexibility, acquiring assets and developing our young players.
“Leandro has unique and special ability as a basketball player, but he’s an even better person away from the game. I’m happy for him to get the opportunity to join a playoff team as he heads into free agency.”
Barbosa averaged 12.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 23.4 minutes in 100 outings with the Raptors. He led the bench in scoring in 60 of those 100 appearances. In 42 games this season, Barbosa averaged 12.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 22.4 minutes.
The nine-year NBA veteran was acquired by Toronto, along with centre Dwayne Jones, on July 14, 2010 in exchange for forward Hedo Turkoglu.
The roster now stands at 14 players heading into Friday’s game at Memphis (Sportsnet ONE/Sportsnet’s 590 The FAN).
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