Bruno Fernando is not on a guaranteed deal just yet.
The Toronto Raptors have negotiated with Fernando to postpone his guarantee date, keeping his contract non-guaranteed until Jan. 10, according to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy:
The Raptors amended Bruno Fernando’s contract before he made the team this week, per a source.
His deal was originally supposed to be fully guaranteed if he made the team. Sides agreed to remove the guarantee date.
So he’s playing on a non-guaranteed deal still.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) October 25, 2024
This will allow the Raptors to have a little more flexibility when determining what to do with its final roster spot, while Fernando tries to prove that he’s worthy enough to be the team’s third string center.
Fernando’s one-year, $2.4 million minimum contract was initially supposed to guarantee on opening night. However, the franchise decided to pivot after he had an underwhelming preseason. The Raptors don’t seem sold on Fernando as of now.
The Raptors will pay Fernando a prorated portion of his contract for each day he’s on the roster. They will have the flexibility to part ways with the 26-year-old without a penalty until his contract fully guarantees.
The Raptors are currently without Kelly Olynyk who’s still dealing with a back injury so it seems unlikely that Toronto will waive Fernando now. However, if Fernando continues to struggle the Raptors may cut ties with him once Olynyk returns.
The Raptors made the decision to keep Fernando over rookie undrafted center Branden Carlson. The Raptors had signed Carlson to a two-way contract in the summer, but then waived him to bring in Jamison Battle. That paved the way for Fernando to earn the Raptors final roster spot entering the season.
In his career Fernando is averaging 4.o points and 3.3 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per contest.
Kyle Lowry comments on being called the GROAT by fans
In many circles, Lowry is considered the GROAT (Greatest Raptor Of All Time).
Lowry averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 601 games during his Raptors tenure. He helped the team get out of the gutter and led them to their greatest decade of success.
Lowry was asked how he feels about fans calling him the GROAT.
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