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Toronto Raptors sign forward Stanley Johnson to 2-year deal

By Austin Owens

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors added to their small forward ranks on Monday after signing Stanley Johnson to a two-year contract.

The Toronto Raptors have signed small forward Stanley Johnson to a two-year, $7.5-million contract, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Following a one-and-done with the University of Arizona, Johnson was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

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Over his career in the Motor City, he averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists a game while shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 29.2 percent from beyond the arc.

In February, he was a part of a three-team trade that involved Thon Maker heading to the Pistons and Nikola Mirotic to the Milwaukee Bucks. Johnson ended up on the New Orleans Pelicans.

In 18 contests with the Pels, he averaged 5.3 points, 2.3 boards, and 1.6 assists.

Johnson played a big defensive role in the Pistons’ first win against the Raptors this past season, as he forced Kawhi Leonard to commit a last-second turnover that led to the winning basket at the other end for Detroit.

The 23-year-old has proven to be a solid defensive presence in the NBA during his young career. He’s in a great spot with the Raptors, who have proven to be a great breeding ground for young up-and-coming talent. With Kawhi Leonard’s departure, there will also be some competition for his spot, and while OG Anunoby looks to be the natural replacement, Johnson will get a chance to sway Nick Nurse’s opinion.

The move has already been publicly approved by Raptors global ambassador Drake. Johnson played in the rapper’s OVO Bounce Tournament in 2017, where he dropped 86 points in one of the games.

https://twitter.com/YahooCASports/status/1147563085332451334

It’s already been an offseason of highs and lows for the Raptors. Their championship celebrations were derailed slightly by the news of Leonard’s departure, but Raps general manager Masai Ujiri has made some moves to ensure that his team is still in the playoffs next season.

Johnson still has room to grow, but for the low salary, he’s a very low-risk, high-reward signing that could give the Raps quality minutes next year.

Next. Raptors: Ujiri has tough road ahead after Kawhi's departure. dark

What do you think of the deal? Where will Johnson slot into the rotation next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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