On Wednesday evening, the Toronto Raptors officially completed a trade that sent All-Star Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers (h/t Kayla Grey of TSN).
As part of the press release, the team revealed that they had waived Christian Koloko to make room on the roster.
Koloko was the 33rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Arizona and has yet to play in a game so far this season due to a health issue.
The Raptors have waived center Christian Koloko to complete the Pascal Siakam trade with Indiana. pic.twitter.com/ZLVJvJ5mTQ
— Kayla Grey (@Kayla_Grey) January 18, 2024
Koloko had a promising rookie season (last year).
In 58 games (19 starts), he had averages of 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 48.0% from the field.
The 23-year-old also spent time in the G League and averaged 12.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.6 blocks per contest while shooting 57.1% from the field in 11 games.
Koloko will get his full salary paid out. Raptors lose his non-guaranteed pseudo-team option for next year.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) January 18, 2024
I would not AT ALL be surprised if Koloko is brought back in for Raptors 905, and/or re-signed in the summer.
P, thank you for everything you have done for The North pic.twitter.com/gMJzu1oN3o
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 18, 2024
They are currently the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 16-25 record in their first 41 games.
Over the last ten games, the Raptors have gone 4-6, and they most recently beat the Miami Heat 121-97 (on Wednesday).
Following the Heat, the Raptors will host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday evening in Canada.
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 18, 2024
The franchise won the 2019 NBA Championship over the Golden State Warriors but has only been able to win just one playoff series since their title.
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