Toronto Raptors should say adios to Jose Calderon

Jose Calderon has been through a lot in his seven-year tenure with the Toronto Raptors. Through it all, the Spaniard has remained loyal, but like everyone, Calderon has his breaking point. That point today is one of no return, and it looks like the longest-serving Raptor will be playing elsewhere when the 2012-13 season begins.

He has dutifully backed up point guards whom he out-performed when given the opportunity (think T.J. Ford). He went about his business as a professional even after a deal which would have seen him sent to the Charlotte Bobcats was all but done until a certain basketball legend had second thoughts. He battled through injuries and losing seasons alike (sometimes at the same time) and has done so without even a hint of discontent.

Despite Calderon's agent Mark Bartlestein misunderstanding the depth at the point in Toronto, saying "There's a little bit of a logjam there in the back court now," a trade has in fact been requested. With Jerryd Bayless signing with Memphis and Calderon with one foot out the door, that leaves Kyle Lowry as the only point guard on the roster. Under normal circumstances, it would appear that Calderon and Bartlestein have jumped the gun here.

One of Toronto's most efficient five-man units featured both him and Bayless on the floor together and with Lowry more of a scorer than a creator (like Bayless, the polar opposite of Calderon), it's not hard to imagine Calderon and Lowry co-existing.

Unfortunately, the impending move seems less about X's and O's and more about Jimmys and Joes (as Raptors colour commentator Jack Armstrong is wont to say). Lowry's reluctance to share minutes and floor space with Goran Dragic in Houston led to the Rockets dealing him to Toronto. And for Calderon, who received the lion's share of the starting assignments at the point the past two seasons, is not looking to return to a backup role.

It's unfortunate Colangelo and the Raptors can't figure out a way to appease both Lowry and Calderon. The duo would give Toronto a formidable tandem at the point — possibly the best in the NBA. But if Calderon wants out, the Raptors should make a move. And if they can't find a willing trade partner there's always the amnesty provision. Even though making over $41 million the past seven seasons is reward enough for his loyal service, Colangelo and the Raptors should grant him that wish. After all, Toronto has traditionally granted the trade requests of players who have shown much less loyalty.