Raptors Add Veteran Anderson
Toronto Raptors secure veteran Kyle Anderson, adding frontcourt depth for title contention
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Key Points
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Kenrich Williams reportedly re-signed with Oklahoma City, further reducing Minnesota's forward options in free agency.
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The Timberwolves also awarded Enrique Freeman a two-way contract on Thursday, adding another development option on the roster.
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Kyle Anderson has appeared in 757 NBA regular-season games with career averages of 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
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Anderson has played for six teams — the Spurs, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Warriors, Heat and Jazz — after being drafted 30th overall by San Antonio in 2014.
Kyle Anderson has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Toronto Raptors, ESPN reported. The 32-year-old forward leaves the Minnesota Timberwolves after one season, reuniting with Kawhi Leonard in Toronto as the Raptors push to contend for a title.
The signing gives Toronto veteran depth and defensive versatility up front. It also leaves Minnesota with almost no power forward options left in free agency, according to Twin Cities.
Anderson Brings Defense and Experience to Toronto
Anderson is a 12-year NBA veteran known for his defense and playmaking from the forward spot. He has played 757 regular-season games, averaging 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, according to Raptors Republic. He was drafted 30th overall by San Antonio in 2014 and has since played for six teams — the Spurs, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Warriors, Heat, and Jazz.
Toronto signed Anderson after already landing Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Raptors now have just two open roster spots remaining and about $2.4 million left in cap space, Raptors Republic noted. The back-to-back moves signal a clear push to win now around a retooled core.
Minnesota Loses Two Veterans in Two Days
Anderson's departure follows a rough stretch for Minnesota in free agency. Just one day before Anderson signed with Toronto, Mike Conley agreed to a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics. The Timberwolves lost two experienced forwards in back-to-back days, according to Twin Cities.
Kenrich Williams also re-signed with Oklahoma City, further shrinking Minnesota's options at forward. The pool of available veterans has nearly dried up. Kelly Olynyk and Guerschon Yabusele remain on the market, but the Wolves face slim pickings heading into the season.
Timberwolves Turn to Development With Freeman Two-Way Deal
With veteran upgrades hard to find, Minnesota shifted focus to player development. The Timberwolves awarded Enrique Freeman a two-way contract on Thursday, the team confirmed. Two-way deals allow players to split time between the NBA roster and the G League.
The move shows Minnesota's short-term plan — fill gaps with younger, cheaper options while the veteran market dries up. It is a sharp contrast to Toronto's strategy of stacking proven players around Leonard for a championship run, Star Tribune reported.
Raptors Bet on Veteran Depth to Support Leonard Return
Toronto's offseason has been defined by one goal: build around Kawhi Leonard. Adding Anderson on a $3.9 million veteran minimum deal is a low-risk, high-upside move. Anderson played alongside Leonard before and knows how to fit into a winning system, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Raptors are banking on Anderson's playoff experience and defensive instincts to help younger players develop. Toronto's calculated spending — filling key roles without breaking the bank — reflects a front office confident it has found the right pieces to compete this season.
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