Report: Toronto Raptors sign second-round pick Christian Koloko to long-term deal
The Toronto Raptors have signed their second-round draft pick, former Arizona big man Christian Koloko, to a three-year contract, according to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.
Murphy reported on Friday that Koloko will get $1.5 million in 2022-23, then the rookie minimum of $1.7 million in Year 2 of the deal and $2 million in Year 3 of the deal. That contract would make Koloko a restricted free agent at the end of the deal, giving the Raptors the opportunity to match any offer sheet he received if it wanted to retain him going forward.
The Raptors used a remaining chunk of their mid-level to sign Koloko to a 3-year deal, per a source.
Koloko will get $1.5M this year and his minimum in years two and three.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) August 26, 2022
Koloko was taken with the 33rd overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft — the third pick of the second round.
The 7-footer at the heart of Arizona’s defense developed into one of the most impactful players in the Pac-12 last season, taking home both Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player awards.
He averaged 12.6 points to go with 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 1.4 assists while shooting 63.5% from the floor. Koloko tied a program single-season record for blocks (102) and left the UA as the fifth all-time leading shot-blocker in program history.
Toronto brought back both of its free agent bigs this offseason, agreeing to deals with forwards Chris Boucher and Thad Young. They also bring back Pascal Siakam, Khem Birch, and Precious Achiuwa. But Koloko’s length and defensive acumen gives him a chance to play a role right away for a team that places a ton of emphasis on all that he brings to the table.