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Report: Raptors Looking to Reacquire Bargnani in Offseason

Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

After last night's 93 to 83 loss to the Miami Heat, it's quite clear that the Toronto Raptors need some help.

That help could come this offseason in the form of Andrea Bargnani.

The Raptors made a valiant attempt at a comeback in last night's final quarter but couldn't stop LeBron James (32 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds) nor secure key possessions and the result was loss number 32 on the season.

Oh and the refereeing didn't exactly help matters.

Already prior to the match there were rumblings that Raptors' GM Masai Ujiri was looking forward to some offseason upgrades and one name thrown around was former Raptor Andrea Bargnani.  After the loss to the Heat, the buzz grew louder as reports surfaced that Ujiri had talks of late with newly hired President of the New York Knicks, Phil Jackson, about reacquiring Bargnani. The talks occurred this past weekend at Pinegrove Family Dude Ranch, with members of the Eagles, Steve Miller Band and Michael MacDonald in tow.  The scotch was flowing, the pool was littered with man-hair, and Jackson and Ujiri apparently traded quotes from Lord of the Rings.  (Return of the King OF COURSE!)

Why Bargnani?

Apparently Ujiri covets Bargnani's toughness, rebounding prowess and ability to space the floor, all elements lacking last night against the Heat.

While Dwane Casey wouldn't comment on Bargnani specifically, he did note there was an absence of "glazed-over expressions coming out of timeouts this season."

Would the Knicks make the deal?

Posting and Toasting's Seth Rosenthal wasn't so sure considering Bargnani's importance in backing up the vaunted F.A.R.T.D.O.G. defensive system employed by the Knickerbockers.

We'll continue to follow this story here at RaptorsHQ as it unfolds and...

...well, obviously April Fools.

A little attempt on our part to inject some humour into this morning considering last night's Kyle Lowry injury, one that we're keeping our fingers crossed about considering his obvious importance to the ball club.

Get well soon Kyle.