Raptors officially sign F Bennett

Bennett, becoming the first Canadian to be drafted number one overall Appeared in 57 games last season, averaging 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Timberwolves.

“Glad to officially be a part of the Raptors organization, Excited to get this year started!!!”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it was reported last week that Bennett walked away from the Minnesota Timberwolves with a .65 million buyout and agreed to sign with the Raptors for $947,276. The six-foot-eight forward struggled in his rookie season with the Cavaliers before being traded along with Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota for Kevin Love.

However, he did have a solid summer with the Canadian national team that finished third at the FIBA Americas championship after winning Pan Am Games gold. “Not only because he’s Canadian, because he’s a very talented young man who needs a good opportunity”. “Just playing, the confidence, healthy again”. That likely was not going to materialize regardless of whether the Wolves bought out Bennett or traded him.

Bennett enjoyed both playing for his country and standing shoulder to shoulder with friends. It was a surprise though due to their situation at his position.

“I don’t need to prove anything”, he said. “So I’ve just got to keep it as simple as I can”.

The Raptors welcomed Bennett, a native of Toronto, on Twitter.

“It’s a great addition”, Joseph said of Bennett. Bennett is also coming off a summer where he looked extremely good for Team Canada so maybe he can carry that momentum into training camp. I feel like there’s a new beginning here.