One source close to the situation said Friday that Bargnani remains "a lock to be moved." That naturally depends on finding a taker for the underachieving Italian forward.

Stein notes that it’s been “widely assumed” for months that the Raptors would try to package Jose Calderon’s expiring contract with Bargnani in hopes of acquiring a “top-flight player” in return. However, given Kyle Lowery’s impressive play and reasonable contract, Stein wonders if Toronto may try to bundle him with Bargnani instead of Calderon.

Either way, it appears Bargnani is on his way out of town. The 27-year-old has averaged 16.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game this season. The Raptors selected the 7-foot center first overall in the 2006 NBA Draft.