Raptors agree to two-year deal with Ishmail Wainright
The Raptors have agreed upon a two-year deal with SIG Strasbourg forward Ishmail Wainright.
Free agent F Ishmail Wainright has agreed to a two-year deal with the Toronto Raptors, his agents Deirunas Visockas and Jim Tanner of @_tandemse tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 5, 2021
The six-five, 250-lb small forward graduated from Baylor in 2017 and was a teammate of current Raptor Freddie Gillespie.
Wainright, 26, played last summer for Strasbourg averaging 9.9 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in the Basketball Champions League. He also played in the French Jeep Elite League, posting 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Over four games in the FIBA 2021 AfroBasket Qualifiers, Wainright lead Uganda with 18.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and five assists.
According to his draft profile, Wainright possesses a seven-one wingspan and has been praised for his ability to guard multiple positions – a clear indication of his fit with Toronto and the teams aspirations to develop a ferocious defense.
Wainwright’s move to the NBA has been expected since June, as reported by Emiliano Carchia.
Ishmail Wainright is expected to play in the NBA next season, I am told.
The Toronto Raptors are the front runners to sign him.Ishmail Wainright is averaging 11.8ppg, 4.6rpg and 2.5apg in French Jeep Elite with SIG Strasbourg
— Emiliano Carchia (@Carchia) June 22, 2021
Although he’s versatile on the defensive end, his scoring is where he’ll need the most development.
Raptors agree to two-year deal with Ishmail Wainright originated on Raptors Republic.