The Raptors are signing center Mo Bamba to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
The timing is notable, as Toronto is expected to receive an update soon on the health of starting center Jakob Poeltl, per Blake Murphy of Sportsnet. With Poeltl in and out of the lineup due to injury, the Raptors have been searching for added frontcourt depth.
From a financial standpoint, Keith Smith of Spotrac notes that the move places Toronto roughly $475,000 over the first apron and about $2.1 million above the luxury tax line. However, Smith adds that the Raptors are not expected to operate in the tax by season’s end, making them a likely candidate for additional roster or salary-related moves.
On the court, Bamba gives Toronto a different look than it has relied on recently. The Raptors have leaned on Sandro Mamukelashvili for backup minutes, but Bamba brings elite length and rim protection that could be useful if Poeltl misses more time.
The 27-year-old was originally drafted sixth overall by the Magic in 2018 and spent four and a half seasons there. Over his seven-year NBA career, Bamba holds averages of 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds.
He most recently appeared in 14 G League games with the Salt Lake City Stars, averaging 16.5 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, numbers that helped put him back on the NBA radar.
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