NBA training camps are around the corner and free agent Carlos Boozer could be getting some interest from teams, as reports have the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers and Knicks as options to sign the forward. Anthony Bennett is reportedly signing with the Toronto Raptors following his buyout from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Boozer has been on the free agent market after playing with the Lakers last season and according to Amico Hoops, numerous teams have shown interest in Boozer heading into training camp. The website reports that the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers have interest in Boozer and it comes after the Pelicans and Knicks previously showed interest this summer. Boozer averaged 11 points and seven rebounds for the Lakers last season.
Bennett is reportedly signing with the Toronto Raptors after being bought out by the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Yahoo Sports. Bennett was placed on waivers and cleared without getting claimed and now he will play in his home nation of Canada with the Raptors. Bennett was a former number one overall pick with the Cleveland Cavaliers and he was traded along with Andrew Wiggins in the deal for Kevin Love.
Yahoo reports that Bennett had a "strong desire" to be back in Toronto and was looking for a "fresh opportunity" after struggling with Cleveland and Minnesota. The Wolves bought out Bennett and now he heads to Toronto after averaging 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds while playing in 57 games last year. Bennett played with the Canadian national team this summer and he previously was on the trade block for the Wolves, but his high contract made a trade hard to find.
Yahoo Sports previously reported that Boozer could wait until the regular season starts to sign with a team and he also had interest from China. Boozer played in 71 games last season for the Lakers and he signed with the team after being amnestied by the Chicago Bulls. Boozer is one of the notable free agents left on the market with Brendan Haywood. Boozer could be a solid depth option for teams and while he is not a great defensive player, he can make an impact on the offensive of the ball.
The Blazers and the Sixers reportedly had interest in Bennett, but after clearing waivers the former top pick decided to sign with the Raptors to play in his home country. The Raptors have been connected to Tristan Thompson as a future free agent option for the same reason and now the team has made a move to bring one of the top Canadian players home. Bennett was weighted down by high expectations as a top overall pick and now he has the chance to start over.
Check here for more on Boozer, Bennett and free agents heading into camp.