Mo Bamba
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Mo Bamba during a game with the Los Angeles Clippers in January 2025
The Toronto Raptors made a calculated roster move on Tuesday, waiving veteran center Mo Bamba just days before his contract would have become fully guaranteed for the remainder of the season.
The timing was deliberate. Had Bamba remained on the roster beyond January 7 in order to clear waivers ahead of the January 10 guarantee deadline, Toronto would have been locked into his full salary, further tightening an already delicate cap situation.
Instead, the Raptors chose flexibility, absorbing a modest cap hit while preserving the option to bring Bamba back later on a short-term deal.
While waiving a former lottery pick often signals a clean break, this move appears far more procedural than permanent.
Toronto Raptors Prioritize Flexibility Over Commitment
Bamba joined Toronto on a one-year deal on December 29, effectively serving as a low-risk evaluation period for the front office.
His role was limited, appearing in just two games and logging six total minutes while recording two rebounds, as the Raptors continued to juggle frontcourt injuries and rotation instability.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Toronto will incur a $194,771 cap hit by waiving Bamba. The Raptors now sit approximately $967,000 over the luxury tax line but remain $717,000 below the first apron, meaning they are not hard capped and retain financial flexibility.
That flexibility is critical as the February 5 trade deadline approaches. Every marginal dollar matters, and the decision allows Toronto to better manage their books while continuing to evaluate roster needs.
Importantly, the Raptors retain the ability to re-sign Bamba once he clears waivers, a possibility that remains very much on the table, as noted by TSN’s Josh Lewenberg.
Why a Reunion Still Makes Sense
Despite his brief stint, Bamba still checks several boxes for Toronto. At seven-feet tall with elite length, he provides rim protection and floor spacing that are difficult to find among freely available centers.
For a Raptors team navigating injuries in the frontcourt, with Jakob Poeltl still sidelined and minutes needing to be managed carefully, that skill set retains value even in a limited role.
Toronto can now bring Bamba back on a 10-day contract, and potentially a second one, allowing the team to reassess his fit without making a long-term commitment.
Bamba was selected sixth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft and has appeared in 366 NBA games, posting career averages of 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 47.7% from the field across stints with multiple teams.
Still just 27-years-old, he opened the season with the Salt Lake City Stars, where he averaged 16.5 points (39.3% 3P), 11.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks over 15 G League games.
This situation reflects a broader league trend, with teams increasingly revisiting former high draft picks who remain in their prime and continue to show utility in alternative settings. Bamba’s size, experience, and defensive presence remain assets that can fill specific needs.
Ultimately, Toronto’s decision to waive Bamba is less about moving on and more about maintaining flexibility. With 10-day contracts now available outside of hardship exceptions and roster movement accelerating across the league, the Raptors have positioned themselves to act quickly if circumstances dictate.
For now, Bamba waits, but all signs suggest his chapter in Toronto may not be finished.