The Toronto Raptors have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with free-agent center Bismack Biyombo. The addition gives the Raptors a much-needed shot blocker off the bench.
Biyombo averaged 4.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 64 games last season for the Charlotte Hornets.
From Doug Smith of The Toronto Star:
- "The six-foot-nine Biyombo, cut adrift by the Charlotte Hornets last month because they feared he had reached his potential, will join the Raptors as a placeholder backup centre, a defensive presence and offensive nightmare who gives Toronto a shot-blocking rim-protecting presence to try to nurture. Biyombo has agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth about $6 million (U.S.), a relatively low-cost, low-risk backup for Jonas Valanciunas. According to league sources, Biyombo’s signing will have no impact on Toronto’s ability to sign other free agents with salary cap room. Biyombo’s deal will fit into what is known as the “mini-mid level” cap exception. Toronto still has something in the neighbourhood of $8 million to spend on a much-needed power forward and a backup point guard. But in Biyombo, general manager Masai Ujiri has plugged one small hole in the roster, providing coach Dwane Casey with a solid defender who has exponentially more athleticism and potential than either Amir Johnson or Chuck Hayes, who manned that position a year ago. Over 284 games in four seasons in Charlotte, Biyombo blocked 1.6 shots and hauled in 6.1 rebounds per game."
