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The Toronto Raptors continue to shore up their bench roster for next season. Reports this morning have the team signing Freddie Gillespie to a two-year deal that keeps the former G-Leaguer with the Raptors with the big club for next season.
The Toronto Raptors are signing forward Freddie Gillespie to a two-year contract, sources tell me and @BlakeMurphyODC. Gillespie had a productive stretch over two 10-day contracts.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 28, 2021
This news comes after the team also converted Yuta Watanabe’s two-way contract in a similar manner. Both players have provided consistent hustle and energy in their bench minutes to date, and should continue to develop with a full season in the Raptors development program.
Blake Murphy reports some additional detail on Gillespie’s deal, including a small guarantee for next season:
Gillespie's deal structure:
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) April 28, 2021
Rest-of-season (minimum, he'll make about $117K more on top of the $123K he made on 10-days)
2021-22 non-guaranteed minimum, $50K guarantee trigger (unsure of date), fully guarantees if he makes the opening night roster.
He'd be RFA beyond that.
In his 10 thus far games with the Raptors, Gillespie has averaged 5.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in about 16 minutes per night. He’s showcased a nose for the ball which, combined with his high motor, makes him a hassle for opposing teams around the rim and on the glass — even when he doesn’t get his hands on the ball, Gillespie makes his presence felt. He’s also go soft hands, always useful for catching tough Kyle Lowry passes and finishing at the cup.
Like most young bigs, Gillespie fouls too much (5.2 personal fouls per 36 minutes), but that’s something he’ll be able to work on as he learns to play with his feet and body more.
All in all, this deal is a low-risk for the Raptors, and potentially high-reward for Gillespie, who’ll continue to get minutes in the team’s remaining 10 games and will in all likelihood get the opportunity to fight for an even bigger role in next season’s training camp.