The Toronto Raptors are cutting ties with Mo Bamba but could bring him back later this week.
The team announced Tuesday that the centre has been waived after playing just two games with the club.
Sportsnet's Michael Grange reports that Bamba's contract was set to become fully guaranteed if he was on the roster on Jan. 10. By waiving him now, the Raptors could sign Bamba to a shorter 10-day contract later in the week.
Bamba has played in six minutes across two games for the Raptors in the past week, grabbing just one rebound for the team.
The move to add Bamba came with starting centre Jakob Poeltl sidelined with a back injury and the team looking to add depth to its frontcourt.
Bamba, a sixth-overall pick by the Orlando Magic back in 2018, helped the Salt Lake City Stars to a win at the G League Winter Showcase, beating the Raptors 905 — Toronto's G League affiliate — with a 17-point, 12-rebound performance in the championship game.
Toronto has used Scottie Barnes as a centre, along with Colin Murray-Boyles, as both have the versatility and length to play the position.
Barnes recently tied a franchise record with 25 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 28.
