The Toronto Raptors wanted a little more depth at the two guard/wing spot for the rest of the season and have leaned into a guy that is proven offense to get it.
The Raptors will sign free agent Will Barton for the rest of the season, a story broken by both Shams Charania of The Athletic and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, and since confirmed by the Raptors. The Raptors waived Bo Cruz Juancho Hernangomez to create the roster spot.
The Wizards bought out Barton after the trade deadline. The 11-year NBA veteran brings some depth and shooting at the guard spot, he is hitting 38% from 3 this season and is well respected in the locker room. In some ways this feels like a trade-off of a more defensive-minded player who could not space the floor (Hernangomez) for an offensive player who will get them points but not be much of a defender (Barton).
Barton will come off the bench behind Gary Trent Jr. and O.G. Anunoby on the wing, with Otto Porter out for the season (foot surgery), minutes currently going to Jeff Dowtin Jr. and Joe Wieskamp.
