The Toronto Raptors are signing center Mo Bamba to a one-year contract. Toronto is looking for depth with Jakob Poeltl dealing with a back injury. The Raptors started Scottie Barnes at center on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors.
Sandro Mamukelashvili has been Toronto’s primary backup center this season. He’s a bit undersized to be a regular starter. With Poeltl having missed several games, the Raptors needed to add more depth to their frontcourt.
Bamba has played for the Salt Lake City Stars of the G League this season. The 7-footer has averaged 16.5 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks across 15 G League games. Bamba has also played for Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans in his NBA career.
Toronto will go to just over $474 thousand over the first apron after signing Bamba. The Raptors will also go roughly $2.1 million into the luxury tax.