Report: Khem Birch returning to Raptors on three-year, $20M contract

August 05, 2021 - 7:49pm

Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) defends against a shot by Toronto Raptors center Khem Birch (24) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Friday, May 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Free-agent centre Khem Birch is returning to the Toronto Raptors on a three-year, $20-million contract, according to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Free agent C Khem Birch is returning to the Toronto Raptors on a three-year, $20M contract, his agent Austin Brown of @caa_basketball tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 5, 2021

The Montreal native signed with the Raptors after he was waived by the Orlando Magic last April. The 28-year-old suited up for 19 games with the Raptors and seized the starting role at the five.

Birch saw his numbers jump from 5.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 19.8 minutes with the Magic to 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds while providing strong defence with Toronto.

Birch’s return clarifies some of the Raptors’ questions at the centre position after they waived Aron Baynes on Wednesday following a disappointing single season with the franchise.