The Toronto Raptors sign Anthony Bennett (#24), who was recently waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo : Reuters)
The Toronto Raptors signed third-year pro Anthony Bennett to a one-year minimum contract speculatively worth $947,276 on Monday after the Minnesota Timberwolves waived him Wednesday last week. Rumors emerged that his addition may lead fellow Canadian Tristan Thompson to also sign with the Raptors next summer.
Minnesota bought out his contract for $3.65 million, as per ESPN, and Toronto became his third team in three years.
The 22-year-old Bennett, who was the surprise 2013 overall first pick, had struggled in his first two seasons as a pro. He barged into the league coming off a major shoulder injury amidst high expectations in Cleveland. He was traded last year as part of the Kevin Love deal to Minnesota, but also did not find any rhythm there to become worthy of his no. 1 pick status.
Now, Bennett has the chance to revive his career while also playing for his hometown club in front of his family, friends and supporters.
Meanwhile, his fellow Toronto native and former Cavs teammate, Thompson, is still in a contract standoff in Cleveland, although he was given until Thursday to decide between signing a one-year qualifying offer worth $6.9 million or a five-year, $80 million deal.
The 24-year-old is reportedly favoring the qualifying offer as it would make him an unrestricted free agent come summer of 2016 when he can earn significantly more money as the league's salary caps spike up.
Thompson is also allegedly contemplating a move to the Raptors by that time as the team had shown signs of interest in acquiring him, as reported by Sports World Report.
Bennett's performance this season would be crucial if Toronto wants to lure in Thompson from the Cavs next summer. If he puts up high numbers and performs the way a no. 1 pick is expected to play, then Thompson might be willing to help him chase an NBA championship for their nation.
