Report: Raptors 'well-placed' to sign Anthony Bennett to 1-year minimum deal
After two miserable seasons to start his NBA career, former No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett is coming home.
The Toronto Raptors are expected to sign Bennett to a one-year minimum deal next week, ESPN's Marc Stein reports. Meanwhile. Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski dubbed the Raptors as the "strong frontrunner" to sign Bennett.
The 22-year-old Bennett was placed on waivers by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, and reports suggest that his $5.8-million price tag passed through waivers without a claim.
Having already secured a buyout from the Timberwolves, Bennett now becomes a free agent, where it appears his hometown of Toronto will be his next destination after flaming out in both Minnesota and Cleveland.
Adding Bennett on a one-year minimum deal is a worthy flyer for the Raptors. Toronto has four power forwards (Patrick Patterson, James Johnson, Luis Scola, DeMarre Carroll) ahead of Bennett on the depth chart, but Bennett could pay dividends if he finally makes good on his promise.
Stashing Bennett in the D-League is also an option for the Raptors, who acquired an exclusive team affiliate in neighboring Mississauga, Ontario, earlier this summer.
Bennett, however, has a long way to go before he becomes a meaningful contributor to a playoff club. Bennett has struggled with shoulder, asthma, sleep apnea, and vision issues, which has translated to abysmal results on the court.
Across 515 minutes in the NBA, Bennett boasts averages of 4.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists on 39.3 percent shooting from the floor.