Report: Raptors have discussed adding Mbah a Moute
The Toronto Raptors have discussed adding unrestricted free agent forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, among other targets, reports Michael Grange of Sportsnet.
Any agreement hinges on price, Grange adds. The Raptors are over the cap and would only be able to offer exceptions.
The 30-year-old Mbah a Moute profiles as a strong defender capable of checking multiple positions. The 6-foot-8 forward spent his last two seasons as the go-to wing stopper for the Los Angeles Clippers. He can play at either forward slot and is comfortable guarding both wings and bigs.
Where Mbah a Moute struggles is on offense. Though he shot 50.5 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from deep last season, that was largely a result of playing with Chris Paul and being routinely ignored by defenses. Mbah a Moute functions best surrounded by high-usage scorers who can compensate for his shortcomings.
His size and defensive ability would be hugely valuable for a Raptors side that lost DeMarre Carroll, Patrick Patterson, and P.J. Tucker this offseason. However, fitting a non-shooter such as Mbah a Moute alongside DeMar DeRozan for extended stretches would severely cramp floor spacing.
The Cameroonian forward averaged 6.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and one steal last season in 22.3 minutes per game.