2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Stanley Johnson: 2 years, $7.5 million (Toronto Raptors)
Free agent Stanley Johnson has agreed to a two-year, $7.5M deal with the Toronto Raptors, with a player option in the second season, agent Nima Namakian of BDA Sports tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2019
Regardless of Kawhi Leonard’s disappointing decision, Stanley Johnson represents an underwhelming addition for the Toronto Raptors. In the wake of the Klaw leaving a team that he just won a championship with, it becomes even more difficult to care about — even if Johnson represents one of the best remaining wings on the market.
To this point in his career, Johnson has mostly been a bust. The Detroit Pistons finally gave up on him after three and a half underwhelming seasons, and the New Orleans Pelicans won’t be bringing him back after he posted 5.3 points in just 13.7 minutes per game over his 18 appearances with the team.
The Raptors are well known for their terrific development of young players, so here’s hoping there’s something left to salvage with the 23-year-old Stanley Johnson. More than likely though, his struggles next year could just be the face that reminds Toronto fans of Kawhi Leonard’s brutal decision to leave.
Grade: C+