The Toronto Raptors have reached a one-year, non-guaranteed agreement with free-agent center Mo Bamba, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The signing comes as Toronto awaits an update on starting center Jakob Poeltl’s injury status, Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy reported. Poeltl has missed stretches of the season, prompting the club to seek additional depth up front.
Cap expert Keith Smith of Spotrac noted that adding Bamba places the Raptors approximately $475,000 above the first tax apron and about $2.1 million over the luxury-tax threshold. Smith added that Toronto is not expected to finish the season in tax territory, suggesting more roster or salary maneuvers could follow.
On the court, Bamba offers a different profile from recent backup option Sandro Mamukelashvili, supplying elite length and shot-blocking that could prove valuable if Poeltl remains sidelined.
Bamba, 27, was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 draft and spent four and a half seasons with the Orlando Magic. Over seven NBA seasons, he has averaged 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds.
This season, the 7-footer appeared in 14 G League contests with the Salt Lake City Stars, posting 16.5 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game—production that helped earn his latest NBA chance.
Source: Hoops Wire
