Raptors bring Nesterovic north of the border in swap with Spurs

06.21.2006

Toronto, ON (Basketball News) - The Toronto Raptors acquired center Rasho Nesterovic and cash considerations on Wednesday from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for forwards Matt Bonner and Eric Williams, and a 2009 second-round draft pick.

The seven-foot Nesterovic was the 17th overall selection by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1998 draft. He signed with San Antonio as a free agent following the 2003 season, and was a member of the Spurs 2005 NBA Championship team. A veteran of eight seasons, Nesterovic has posted averages of 7.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 548 career games.

"Acquiring Rasho brings us an experienced presence at the center position while not affecting our cap situation," said Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo. "Hes a smart basketball player who will help address our needs, particularly on the defensive end of the floor."

Bonner appeared in 78 games last season for the Raptors, averaging 7.5 points and 3.6 rebounds. He also tied for 12th in the NBA by connecting on 42 percent of his three-point attempts. Williams, an 11-year veteran, averaged 3.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 28 games for Toronto last year. He sports averages of 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 637 career games for five different teams.

Also on Wednesday, the Raptors waived center Robert Whaley, who was acquired June 8 from Utah, along with forward Kris Humphries, for center Rafael Araujo.

SAN TOR

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