The Raptors intend to sign G League standout Freddie Gillespie to a 10-day deal, sources tell Shams Charania and Blake Murphy of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Gillespie, a rookie power forward who went undrafted out of Baylor in November, was the second-overall pick in the NBA G League draft and spent the bubble season with the Memphis Hustle. As a full-time starter, he averaged a double-double (10.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG) to go along with 2.3 BPG in 15 contests (27.8 MPG).
Gillespie spoke to Hoops Rumors earlier this season about the unconventional path he has taken to the professional level. This 10-day deal with Toronto will give him an opportunity to play in his first ever NBA regular season game.
The Raptors only have 13 players on standard contracts and need to add a 14th man by Thursday, so it’s a safe bet that Gillespie’s deal will be finalized Thursday if it doesn’t become official Wednesday. The 23-year-old will earn $61,528 during his first 10 days in the NBA.
More must-reads: