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Toronto Raptors: Examining Toronto’s buyout market options

By Jeff Borsuk

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 6: President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri and General Manager Bobby Webster of the Toronto Raptors speak to ESPN writer Zach Lowe during practice as part of the 2019 NBA Finals on June 6, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 6: President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri and General Manager Bobby Webster of the Toronto Raptors speak to ESPN writer Zach Lowe during practice as part of the 2019 NBA Finals on June 6, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors potential target – Bismack Biyombo (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Bismack Biyombo

If ever there was an ideal spot for a buyout player, it would be Bismack Biyombo returning to the Raptors. After all, his impressive performance in the 2015-16 playoffs as a member of the Raptors is what convinced the Orlando Magic to sign the center to a four-year, $72 million contract.

Biyombo is in the final year of that deal, on the books for $17 million in 2019-20.

Now with the Hornets and at the age of 27, Biyombo has transitioned from a starter to a member of the bench unit in Charlotte. He remains a similar player to the one Raptors fans remember (and fell in love with). He can finish inside the painted area and also protects his own rim with great enthusiasm. On the season, Biyombo has racked up 1.5 blocks per 36 minutes. It’s the lowest mark of his career. Meanwhile, his 13.6 points per 36 minutes are actually the best of Biyombo’s NBA tenure, helped by his field goal percentage of 53.4.

While Biyombo still doesn’t have a made three in his NBA career (he’s only taken two attempts in nine years) and is not what you’d call a modern-day big man, he rebounds the ball extremely well. This season, he is averaging 5.8 per game. Per 36 minutes, that number jumps to 10.8.

Bringing Biz back to the Big Smoke would shore up Toronto’s frontcourt. He would play behind Gasol and Serge Ibaka, and be an option for Nick Nurse to play alongside one of those two when a big lineup is preferred.

Should Biyombo be bought out, he could very likely want to join the Raptors. He is still loved by fans who remember his single season with the team. In conclusion, Biyombo would be a good addition for Toronto, both on and off the court.

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