Bruno Fernando’s time with the Toronto Raptors is over.
The Raptors have officially waived Fernando, per Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. Fernando’s non-guaranteed contract was set to guarantee later this week. Toronto had until Tuesday to place the 26-year-old center on waivers, which they did to avoid taking on his salary for the rest of the season.
Raptors have officially waived Fernando. https://t.co/wi6FzPNW1k
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) January 7, 2025
Fernando averaged jut 3.4 points and 3.0 rebounds on 53.1 percent shooting from the field in 17 games for Toronto this season. He slated in as the Raptors backup big man, filling in for the injured Kelly Olynyk to start the season. However, his playing time greatly diminished when the team started to play Jonathan Mogbo more. Fernando did re-enter the rotation in mid-December and he started a game while Jakob Poeltl dealt with an injury but he has since been out of the rotation.
The Raptors signed Fernando to a minimum deal during the offseason and the contract was initially set to guarantee at the start of the regular season but due to his poor preseason, the Raptors ended up pushing his guarantee date back to Jan. 10 to give them flexibility.
With the Raptors parting ways with Fernando his NBA future is uncertain. He may end up going overseas.
For the Raptors they will have an open roster spot where they can give different guys a look. Teams can sign players to two 10-day deals before they have to commit to a standard or two-way contract. The Raptors made use of that spot last year, signing six different players to 10-day contracts during the season. Don’t be surprised if they do the same this season.
B/R projects Raptors selecting Rutgers’ Ace Bailey in latest mock draft
With the way things are looking, the Raptors look poised for a top pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, Jonathan Wasserman has the Raptors selecting Rutgers’ Ace Bailey at No. 3.
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