NOVEMBER 26: Len has officially signed with the Raptors, per the NBA’s transactions log.
NOVEMBER 23: The Raptors will add veteran big man Alex Len to their center rotation, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium (Twitter link). Len will presumably compete with Chris Boucher for backup minutes behind Aron Baynes, another new addition.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (via Twitter) reports that Len will sign a one-year contract.
After using most of their mid-level exception on the two-year, $14.3MM Baynes signing, the Raptors will use the leftover portion of their MLE to sign Len, per Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter link). As a result, he’ll earn about $2.32MM instead of a minimum salary of $2.17MM.
Drafted with the fifth pick by Phoenix in 2013, the oft-traveled Len signed with the Hawks during his first crack at free agency in 2018, for a two-year, $8.5MM contract. Atlanta dealt Len to the Kings in a package for Dewayne Dedmon and two future second-rounders at the 2019/20 trade deadline.
The 27-year-old seven-footer holds efficient career averages of 8.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 1.0 BPG in 19.6 MPG across his seven NBA seasons.
Toronto saw its top two centers, veterans Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, walk in free agency. The Raptors have moved quickly to piece together a respectable rotation of big men to replace them — including incumbent RFA Boucher.
The 33-year-old Baynes is a competent defender who has recently developed into a perimeter shooting threat, while the lankier Boucher became an intriguingly athletic rotation piece last season. Len provides a big body in the post to threaten players at the rim. Though they lack the two-way versatility or passing of their predecessors, this triumvirate may be able to replace a decent amount of their output.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Smart moves by the Raptors.
Gasol was likely to further decline in a large role.
Baynes was an excellent pickup, and Len is a decent backup
Gasols mind cant be replaced, but both these guys bring some athleticism and intensity to the position.
In reality Gasol won’t be much of an upgrade over McGee for the Lakers. This isn’t the guy they traded over 12 years ago for his brother. He will turn 36 soon and will play about the same amount of minutes that McGee did last season.
Lakers went from dumb and athletic to smart and old-slow
Schroeder and Harrell both young(er) and athletic, replacing Rondo and Howard
Overall I’d rather have D12 and McGee than Gasol no question.
However, I think Lakers are looking for offensive production tho, as Lebron and AD will get plenty of rest this year.
Gasols ball handling and passing will ease the burden of relying on a deep bench this season.
Relying on Howard and McGee for offensive production is another story.
Agreed. Lakers need another big incase gasol goes down.
Baynes is declining too; Gasol is better than all mentioned; but yes getting Len is smart, maybe the best available, and I think will start.
Agreed! Idk what is with len, he can shoot and has skill. Teams just aren’t invested in him anymore, but I always say, you never know what happens behind the scenes.
The mystery is always in how the sausage gets made.
Baynes is declining? He just had his best season.
Kings are getting worse
Smart. Still not sold on boucher as a permanent back up. Maybe nurse can turn lens career around with freedom he allows.
Timing is everything … Raps could’ve Willie Cauley-Stein or Harry Giles as centers with much more upside. Masai didn’t whisper loudly enough to their agents. Anyways, Baynes and Len are OK acquisitions. Will miss the timely big baskets and 3’s from Serge.
Agreed about Aron Baynes having his best year…will miss Ibaka, but like Len upside with the Raptors coaching. Should of given Len a 2 yr at least with team option.