Toronto Raptors buyout Alonzo Mourning, end contract (original) (raw)

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Raptors, Alonzo Mourning end contract
/ Feb. 11, 2005

The Toronto Raptors announced Friday that they have reached an agreement with Alonzo Mourning to buy out the remaining two years of his contract. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Mourning was acquired December 17, 2004 as part of a trade with the New Jersey Nets that brought two future first-round draft picks, and Eric Williams and Aaron Williams to the Raptors in exchange for Vince Carter.

�Since the trade, we have taken the time to fully understand Alonzo�s medical situation. Our doctors have thoroughly reviewed his records and consulted with other independent specialists and have determined that Alonzo does not meet our medical conditions to play for our basketball team,� said Raptors General Manager Rob Babcock. �While we realize it may be possible for him to play in limited circumstances, we�ve been able to confirm our expectations that because of his medical issues he would not be able to fit into our long-term strategy of building something sustainable.

�We felt it was in the best interests of the Raptors to reach a financial settlement which would provide us additional financial flexibility. We are pleased with the deal we�ve been able to make and wish Alonzo the best in his future.�

Mourning signed a free agent contract with New Jersey on July 16, 2003. He has averaged 19.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.96 blocks in 652 games in his 13-year career. He was originally drafted second overall by Charlotte in the 1992 NBA Draft. Mourning underwent kidney transplant surgery December 19, 2003, and missed 70 games last season due to focal glomerulosclerosis, resulting from the kidney problems.