It looks like the Toronto Raptors are this year’s NBA club to deal with European players and clubs. Roko Ukic joins the team, Jorge Garbajosa leaves the team: While Jose Calderon re-signs in Toronto for the Raptors, Carlos Delfino will leave the Raptors for a new adventure in Russia.
Delfino signed a three-year deal with BC Khimki, a team slated to participate in the new Eurocup. Yes, the Eurocup, not the Euroleague.
I’m not sure what has been promised to Carlos, but to make him join a team that does not even play in the highest league in Europe, BC Khimki must have come up with something special – like $$$ or even better some major €€€. (Rumored, in fact, to be €8.5 million over three years.)
Carlos signed for three years with the club, although this will not be his first time in Europe; Carlos has already spent a few seasons in Italy.
Here is Carlos’ reason to come to Europe again:
“I really wanted to return to Europe. Khimki is an ambitious club that will soon become one of the strongest in Europe. I will do my best to make it possible.” (via eurocupbasketball.com)
Additional note: The NBA should no longer have an NBA Europe. The Raptors spent too much time in Europe – Everybody wants to play here now!
