The curious case of Anthony Bennett continues. The former No.1 overall draft pick has gone from being the leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers to getting lost in the shuffle with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, the power forward is headed home to Canada as the Toronto Raptors favor a smaller contract for Bennett over high-priced trade deals for other players at the position.
The Raptors have been toying with upgrades at the power forward position. Right now, the team is prepared to start Patrick Patterson with Luis Scola as his main backup. That may or may not work out and the Raptors are taking steps for backup plan just in case. According to social media via ESPN.com, the Raptors have signed Bennett to a contract after he was bought out by the Timberwolves following the drafting of Karl-Anthony Towns. Originally from Canada, Bennett signed with the Raptors after getting a $3.65 buyout from the Timberwolves.
This move is seen as a win-win for Toronto. Bennett averaged 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds for Minnesota last season, but a return home could be the spark the power forward needs to reach his potential. Bennett can play and he has the skills to make a difference. The Raptors do not need him to be a star necessarily, but instead make an impact off the bench which could help his development.
The contract to Bennett likely ends any other reported trade deals for Toronto. According to various media reports, the team showed interest in acquiring Markieff Morris from the Phoenix Suns. They also had reported interest in Tristan Thompson. For the time being, the Phoenix Suns are not showing signs of willingness to trade Morris. Thompson is trying to agree to terms with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a contract was reported to be agreed upon, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that is not true and no contract has been signed.
The Raptors spent a lot of money in the offseason and look settled on what they have for the time being. The last big question for the team is the status of DeMar DeRozan. According to general manager Masai Ujiri, the Raptors are not discussing contract extensions with DeRozan who can become a free agent next year. The team expects the star to opt out of his contract in order to get more money than he could acquire this year and because of that they will not discuss extensions right now. The Raptors will have to spend a lot of money next season if they intend to retain him.
