John Salmons has decided against joining the Toronto Raptors.

According to the Toronto Star, Salmons has backed out of a 5-year, $23 million sign and trade deal that would sent Salmons to the Raptors for a second round draft pick in 2007.

"Upon reviewing the basketball situation in Toronto, John decided it's not the best fit for him," said a statement released Friday from Salmons' agent, Joel Bell.

"In a very stressful and tough decision, he decided he could not accept the opportunity to play for the Raptors, even though he was excited about the prospect of being in Toronto."

Salmons previously had to make a decision as to whether he wanted to join the Raptors or the Phoenix Suns, but the Suns offer is now off the table after the team signed guard Marcus Banks to a deal similar to that rejected by Salmons.

"I'm sorry it didn't work out, I wish him the best," Toronto president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said last night.

Philadelphia have also rescinded their qualifying offer to Salmons, making the guard an unrestricted free agent.